Abstract: A quick connect/disconnect system male component includes a first body and a ring assembly. The first body defines a fluid channel therethrough. The first body includes a first coupling portion at a first end portion and a second coupling portion at a second end portion. The first coupling portion is configured to couple with a fluid conduit and the second coupling portion configured to couple with a female quick connect/disconnect system component. The ring assembly is supported by the first body. The ring assembly extends about the second coupling portion and includes a first mating feature on an internal surface of the ring assembly configured to rotatably engage a second mating feature on an external surface of the female quick connect/disconnect system component.

Abstract: A quick connect/disconnect system female component includes a first end portion, a second end portion, a fluid channel, and a first mating feature. The first end portion defines a first coupling portion. The second end portion defines a second coupling portion. The second coupling portion is configured to couple with a male quick connect/disconnect system component. The fluid channel extends between the first end portion and the second end portion. The first mating feature is on an external surface of the second end portion and is configured to rotatably engage a second mating feature on an internal surface of the male quick connect/disconnect system component.

Abstract: A quick connect/disconnect system includes a first component and a second component. The first component includes a tube coupling portion. The second component defines a channel configured to receive the tube coupling portion. The channel opens to a first end portion of the second component. The second component further includes a first resilient seal positioned within the channel adjacent to the first end portion and sized to sealingly engage the tube coupling portion, a second resilient seal positioned within the channel and spaced apart from the first resilient seal, the second resilient seal sized to sealingly engage the tube coupling portion, and an annular expansion area located between the first resilient seal and the second resilient seal and in fluid communication with the channel.

Abstract: A quick connect/disconnect system includes a first and second connecting member and a biasing member. The first connecting member includes (i) a first body defining a first fluid channel therethrough and having a first coupling portion at a first end portion, and (ii) a first ring assembly supported by the first body and extending about the first end portion and including a first mating feature on an internal surface of the ring assembly. The second connecting member includes (i) a second end portion defining a second coupling portion with a second fluid channel and configured to couple with the first coupling portion, and (ii) a second mating feature on an external surface of the second end portion configured to rotatably engage the first mating feature. The biasing member biases the first connecting member away from the second connecting member when the first and second mating features are mated.

Abstract: A method of manipulating a quick connect/disconnect system includes connecting a first coupling portion of a first connecting member to a fluid conductor, inserting a second coupling portion of the first connecting member within a third coupling portion of a second connecting member and inserting the third coupling portion within a ring assembly which is fixedly positioned with respect to the first coupling portion. The method further includes engaging a mating feature on an external surface of the third coupling portion with a mating feature on an internal surface of the ring assembly, rotating the ring assembly about the third coupling portion while the first mating feature is engaged with the second mating feature, and forcing the second coupling portion to move further within the third coupling portion by rotation of the ring assembly.

Abstract: Mechanisms and method of flow control for use in an oscillating sprinkler that varies the water stream height to lessen the adverse effects of wind on the water streams. The flow control mechanism varies water flow during rotation of a spray tube of a sprinkler to control the height of water streams in predetermined portions of the rotation.

Abstract: An intermittent fluid flow controller including a main body that houses an inlet in controlled fluid communication with an outlet, a mechanical timing mechanism including a rotatable member that rotates during an operation of the timing mechanism, and a first valve operated by the rotatable member. The first valve is disposed in the main body such that a rotational movement of the rotatable member actuates the first valve to intermittently permit and restrict a fluid flow between the inlet and the outlet over a pre-selected period of time determined by the operation of the timing mechanism.

Abstract: A faucet adapter including an inlet assembly that includes a connecting portion configured for connection to a fluid source. A handle remote from the connecting portion is operably connected thereto such that actuation of the handle results in actuation of the connecting portion, independent of a fluid flow through the adapter.

Abstract: An in line mechanical timing valve is disclosed. The valve has an inlet capable of being coupled to a water source and an outlet. A valve housing is fluidly coupled to the inlet and the outlet to control water flow between the inlet and the outlet. A bisecting cylinder is installed perpendicular to the inlet and outlet. The bisecting cylinder has a central axis and a diaphragm which has an open position allowing water flow to the outlet and a closed position preventing water flow to the outlet. A dial knob has an extended position and a retracted position. The dial knob is rotatable about the central axis of the bisecting cylinder when in the retracted position. A timing mechanism has a windup shaft parallel to the central axis of the bisecting cylinder. One end of the windup shaft has one end coupled to the dial knob which allows the timing mechanism to be set by the dial knob. A shaft parallel to the central axis of the bisecting cylinder is inserted through the timing mechanism.

Abstract: An oscillating sprinkler having a pattern select feature. The sprinkler includes, in one embodiment, a tubular member having a plurality of spaced apart longitudinal slots thereon and an end portion having the same plurality of apertures therein. A plurality of lumens is formed inside the tubular member. A plurality of longitudinal series of nozzles extend through the spaced apart longitudinal slots. Each lumen is associated with one of said series of nozzles; one end of each lumen includes a fluid inlet and the other end of each lumen is closed. A selector piece is fitted to the tubular member and includes an opening to be aligned with a selected fluid inlet. The sprinkler further comprises a water-driven oscillating mechanism for oscillating the tubular member, wherein the oscillating mechanism includes a water inlet and a water outlet, wherein the water outlet is in fluid communication with the interior of the tubular member. Finally, a support structure for supporting the tubular member is provided.

Abstract: An adjustable spray wand is disclosed. The spray wand comprises a spray head body, a swiveling member, a locking mechanism, and a handle. The spray head body is rotatably coupled to the swiveling member. The spray head further has a locking mechanism having a contact arm having a first position allowing the swiveling member to rotate relative to the spray head body and an engagement position engaging the swiveling member and locking the swiveling member in one position. The swiveling member is coupled to a handle with a conduit, which may be coupled to a water source. In operation, water flows from the water source, through the handle, through the swiveling member, through the spray head body, and out of the outlets in a variably selected spray pattern.

Abstract: A one touch valve for activating fluid flow between an inlet conduit and an outlet conduit is disclosed. The valve has a flow cylinder defining an inflow chamber in fluid communication with the inlet conduit and an outflow chamber in fluid communication with the outlet conduit. The flow cylinder includes an end plate and an intermediate plate having a center collar with an aperture. A flexible diaphragm is provided with a sealing surface in contact with the collar to create a seal. The diaphragm has an edge coupled to the intermediate plate and a small diameter hole providing fluid contact between the inflow chamber and an intermediate chamber which is defined by the intermediate plate of the flow cylinder. A plunger is placed on the diaphragm to create a seal with the opposite surface of the diaphragm from the sealing surface. A shaft has one end connected to the plunger and extends through the aperture of the diaphragm.

Abstract: A one touch valve for activating fluid flow between an inlet conduit and an outlet conduit is disclosed. The valve has a flow cylinder defining an inflow chamber in fluid communication with the inlet conduit and an outflow chamber in fluid communication with the outlet conduit. The flow cylinder includes an end plate and an intermediate plate having a center collar with an aperture. A flexible diaphragm is provided with a sealing surface in contact with the collar to create a seal. The diaphragm has an edge coupled to the intermediate plate and a small diameter hole providing fluid contact between the inflow chamber and an intermediate chamber which is defined by the intermediate plate of the flow cylinder. A plunger is placed on the diaphragm to create a seal with the opposite surface of the diaphragm from the sealing surface. A shaft has one end connected to the plunger and extends through the aperture of the diaphragm.

Abstract: A one touch valve for activating fluid flow between an inlet conduit and an outlet conduit is disclosed. The valve has a flow cylinder defining an inflow chamber in fluid communication with the inlet conduit and an outflow chamber in fluid communication with the outlet conduit. The flow cylinder includes an end plate and an intermediate plate having a center collar with an aperture. A flexible diaphragm is provided with a sealing surface in contact with the collar to create a seal. The diaphragm has an edge coupled to the intermediate plate and a small diameter hole providing fluid contact between the inflow chamber and an intermediate chamber which is defined by the intermediate plate of the flow cylinder. A plunger is placed on the diaphragm to create a seal with the opposite surface of the diaphragm from the sealing surface. A shaft has one end connected to the plunger and extends through the aperture of the diaphragm.

Abstract: A one touch valve for activating fluid flow between an inlet conduit and an outlet conduit is disclosed. The valve has a flow cylinder defining an inflow chamber in fluid communication with the inlet conduit and an outflow chamber in fluid communication with the outlet conduit. The flow cylinder includes an end plate and an intermediate plate having a center collar with an aperture. A flexible diaphragm is provided with a sealing surface in contact with the collar to create a seal. The diaphragm has an edge coupled to the intermediate plate and a small diameter hole providing fluid contact between the inflow chamber and an intermediate chamber which is defined by the intermediate plate of the flow cylinder. A plunger is placed on the diaphragm to create a seal with the opposite surface of the diaphragm from the sealing surface. A shaft has one end connected to the plunger and extends through the aperture of the diaphragm.

Abstract: A pistol grip hose nozzle is disclosed which allows proportional water control in accordance with the position of a rotatable valve. The hose nozzle has a handgrip section with an inlet water passage and an outlet section with an outlet water passage. One end of the handgrip section is connectable with a hose. The other end of the inlet water passage ends in a valve seat with an aperture. The valve seat contains a valve having a flow control cylinder. The flow control cylinder has a non-circular opening which when aligned with the aperture allows water to flow to the outlet water passage. The flow control cylinder is attached to a control knob which allows a user to grip the hand grip portion and rotate the control knob and the flow control cylinder to vary the water flow. The non-circular opening allows the amount of water flow to the outlet water passage to be linearly proportional to the rotational position of the control knob.

Abstract: A one touch valve for activating fluid flow between an inlet conduit and an outlet conduit is disclosed. The valve has a flow cylinder defining an inflow chamber in fluid communication with the inlet conduit and an outflow chamber in fluid communication with the outlet conduit. The flow cylinder includes an end plate and an intermediate plate having a center collar with an aperture. A flexible diaphragm is provided with a sealing surface in contact with the collar to create a seal. The diaphragm has an edge coupled to the intermediate plate and a small diameter hole providing fluid contact between the inflow chamber and an intermediate chamber which is defined by the intermediate plate of the flow cylinder. A plunger is placed on the diaphragm to create a seal with the opposite surface of the diaphragm from the sealing surface. A shaft has one end connected to the plunger and extends through the aperture of the diaphragm.

Abstract: A self propelled sprinkler is disclosed. The sprinkler has a support body with a drive unit which drives two rear wheels. The drive unit is powered by water pressure supplied through a hose which is coupled to the drive unit via a hose coupler. The drive unit has a cylindrical drive chamber with circular impeller in fluid communication with the hose coupler. The impeller is rotated by the water pressure and is mechanically connected to a lateral shaft. The shaft is connected to the rear wheels. Reduction gearing from the impeller to the shaft governs the speed of the sprinkler. The reduction gearing is achieved through a series of sun gears, carrier disks and planet gears. The drive unit also has an outlet which has a socket which allows the exit of the pressurized water. The socket allows the insertion of any variety of sprinkler heads. Thus, the sprinkler allows a variety of water distribution patterns. The sprinkler is propelled by water pressure rotating the impeller and eventually the rear wheels.

Abstract: A rotating bearing assembly for a sprinkler coupled to a pipe segment is disclosed. The bearing assembly has a stem which permits fluid flow. The stem has a bottom open end with a collar and a top open end which is connected to a cap. The cap allows connection to a sprinkler head which rotates from water pressure through the pipe segment. The stem conduit rotates in relation to a sleeve which is frictionally fitted within the pipe segment. A plurality of washers is located between the collar and the bottom of the sleeve to provide a water seal under high pressure conditions. Another group of washers is located between the top of the sleeve and the cap to provide additional sealing under low pressure conditions.

Abstract: A pattern adjustable flow nozzle which maintains a constant fluid flow rate is disclosed. The flow nozzle is comprised of two parts, an inner tubular body and an outer tubular sleeve, rotatable one on the other. Orifices are disposed on the output end of the tubular body and tubular sleeve, and the superposition of those orifices in various rotational alignments determines the throw and pattern of the ejected fluid. Flow cavities on the inner tubular body allow for a constant rate of fluid flow over the range of orifice superpositions.