Patents by Inventor Michael A. McAfee
Michael A. McAfee 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).
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Publication number: 20260139779Abstract: A quick coupling system where a conduit can be pushed into the coupling to secure and seal the conduit with the coupling includes a gripping ring and a seal. The seal is located outboard of the gripping ring so that the gripping ring does not damage the outer surface of the conduit engaged by the seal. The coupling system also may include a wiper outboard of the seal to clean the outer surface of the conduit as the conduit is inserted into the coupling system.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 8, 2026Publication date: May 21, 2026Inventors: William Tomas Phillips, Michael A. McAfee
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Publication number: 20260071688Abstract: Zone control devices that integrate a valve, filter, and pressure regulator within a single device are provided. Specifically, the zone control devices include a main body having a base portion with an inlet passage and an outlet passage attachable to a conduit and a body portion extending from the base portion having an interior for receiving a filter. The zone control devices further include a valve bonnet including a solenoid bowl for attaching a solenoid. In some embodiments, an adapter removably couples the valve bonnet to the main body of the zone control device and forms an interface between the valve bonnet and the main body to operate the valve. The zone control devices also may include a pressure regulator in the vent flow path positioned in a vent flow path of the valve bonnet downstream of the solenoid for regulating pressure at the valve. In embodiments, the vent flow path is positioned to vent fluid into the main body downstream of the filter.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 19, 2025Publication date: March 12, 2026Inventors: Kevin Mark Irwin, Brian Allen Biang, Michael Joseph Millius, Paul Gregory Dailey, Riccardo J. Tresso, Leilanny Bujanda, Brian C. Hoover, Pedro Alejandro Raygoza Flores, Kevin James Markley, Michael A. McAfee
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Publication number: 20260058526Abstract: Some embodiments provide irrigation generator systems that include a main conduit comprising an inlet conduit and an outlet conduit; a flow control system positioned within the main conduit; a generator conduit comprising a generator inlet conduit and a generator outlet conduit, wherein the generator inlet conduit is fluidly coupled with the main conduit upstream of the flow control system, the generator outlet conduit is fluidly coupled with the main conduit downstream of the flow control system; and a generator comprising a rotor assembly cooperated with generator conduit to be physically activated by a flow of fluid through the generator conduit causing rotation of the rotor assembly and generates electrical power. The flow control system transitions between a closed state to the open state in response to a water pressure exceeding a pressure threshold.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 4, 2025Publication date: February 26, 2026Inventors: Michael J. Millius, Riccardo J. Tresso, Randy R. Montgomery, Patrick J. Hibbs, Parthiv A. Rajgor, Michael A. McAfee, Jiangjiang Dai, John E. Price, Bradley H. Dolbin
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Patent number: 12540698Abstract: A quick coupling system where a conduit can be pushed into the coupling to secure and seal the conduit with the coupling includes a gripping ring and a seal. The seal is located outboard of the gripping ring so that the gripping ring does not damage the outer surface of the conduit engaged by the seal. The coupling system also may include a wiper outboard of the seal to clean the outer surface of the conduit as the conduit is inserted into the coupling system.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2020Date of Patent: February 3, 2026Assignee: Rain Bird CorporationInventors: William Tomas Phillips, Michael A. McAfee
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Publication number: 20260008068Abstract: A multi-mode sprinkler adjustable for part or full circle operation to irrigate a selected area is provided. The sprinkler includes a nozzle for dispensing fluid, a set of gears for rotating the nozzle, and an arc setting mechanism that cooperates with the set of gears. The arc setting mechanism comprises a fixed trip for switching to a first direction for the nozzle and an adjustable trip movable relative to the fixed trip for setting an arc of rotation for the nozzle in the part circle mode. The arc setting mechanism also includes a toggle for engaging the fixed trip and the adjustable trip to switch between a first direction and a second direction when in the part circle mode. In the full circle mode, the adjustable trip is deflected radially outward, and the fixed trip deflects radially outward as it passes the toggle, allowing continuous rotation of the nozzle.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 11, 2025Publication date: January 8, 2026Inventor: Michael A. McAfee
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Publication number: 20260000036Abstract: A drip emitter is provided having a clog-resistant, debris-clearing inlet filter. The emitter includes a moveable inlet that has an outer side exposed to the fluid in the supply tube, an inner side facing an interior of the emitter, and at least one inlet opening. In an operational state of the emitter, the moveable inlet moves from a first state to a second state as a result of debris at least partially blocking the at least one inlet opening. In the second state, at least some of the debris is cleared away from the inlet opening, resuming normal flow and causing the moveable inlet to move back towards the first state.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 27, 2024Publication date: January 1, 2026Inventors: Mark Murphy Ensworth, Kenny Cuong Phong, Michael A. McAfee
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Patent number: 12498049Abstract: Zone control devices that integrate a valve, filter, and pressure regulator within a single device are provided. Specifically, the zone control devices include a main body having a base portion with an inlet passage and an outlet passage attachable to a conduit and a body portion extending from the base portion having an interior for receiving a filter. The zone control devices further include a valve bonnet including a solenoid bowl for attaching a solenoid. In some embodiments, an adapter removably couples the valve bonnet to the main body of the zone control device and forms an interface between the valve bonnet and the main body to operate the valve. The zone control devices also may include a pressure regulator in the vent flow path positioned in a vent flow path of the valve bonnet downstream of the solenoid for regulating pressure at the valve. In embodiments, the vent flow path is positioned to vent fluid into the main body downstream of the filter.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2024Date of Patent: December 16, 2025Assignee: Rain Bird CorporationInventors: Kevin Mark Irwin, Brian Allen Biang, Michael Joseph Millius, Paul Gregory Dailey, Riccardo J. Tresso, Leilanny Bujanda, Brian C. Hoover, Pedro Alejandro Raygoza Flores, Kevin James Markley, Michael A. McAfee
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Patent number: 12463503Abstract: Some embodiments provide irrigation generator systems that include a main conduit comprising an inlet conduit and an outlet conduit; a flow control system positioned within the main conduit; a generator conduit comprising a generator inlet conduit and a generator outlet conduit, wherein the generator inlet conduit is fluidly coupled with the main conduit upstream of the flow control system, the generator outlet conduit is fluidly coupled with the main conduit downstream of the flow control system; and a generator comprising a rotor assembly cooperated with generator conduit to be physically activated by a flow of fluid through the generator conduit causing rotation of the rotor assembly and generates electrical power. The flow control system transitions between a closed state to the open state in response to a water pressure exceeding a pressure threshold.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2024Date of Patent: November 4, 2025Assignee: Rain Bird CorporationInventors: Michael J. Millius, Riccardo J. Tresso, Randy R. Montgomery, Patrick J. Hibbs, Parthiv A. Rajgor, Michael A. McAfee, Jiangjiang Dai, John E. Price, Bradley H. Dolbin
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Publication number: 20250324931Abstract: An irrigation device is provided including a body and a pressure sensor. The body is to be fluidly connected to an irrigation line of an irrigation system operable to move fluid from a water source to one or more water emitting devices to provide irrigation. The irrigation device is to be fluidly connected to the irrigation line to receive pressurized fluid from the water source during an irrigation cycle. The pressure sensor is mounted to the body to measure pressure in an interior of the irrigation line during the irrigation cycle to detect whether the body has a normal irrigation pressure condition or an abnormal irrigation pressure condition. The pressure sensor has communication circuitry to wirelessly communicate pressure data to a remote computing device to indicate whether the body has the normal irrigation pressure condition or the abnormal irrigation pressure condition.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 22, 2024Publication date: October 23, 2025Inventors: Randall Dennis Bousfield, Michael A. McAfee
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Patent number: 12440855Abstract: A multi-mode sprinkler adjustable for part or full circle operation to irrigate a selected area is provided. The sprinkler includes a nozzle for dispensing fluid, a set of gears for rotating the nozzle, and an arc setting mechanism that cooperates with the set of gears. The arc setting mechanism comprises a fixed trip for switching to a first direction for the nozzle and an adjustable trip movable relative to the fixed trip for setting an arc of rotation for the nozzle in the part circle mode. The arc setting mechanism also includes a toggle for engaging the fixed trip and the adjustable trip to switch between a first direction and a second direction when in the part circle mode. In the full circle mode, the adjustable trip is deflected radially outward, and the fixed trip deflects radially outward as it passes the toggle, allowing continuous rotation of the nozzle.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 2022Date of Patent: October 14, 2025Assignee: Rain Bird CorporationInventor: Michael A. McAfee
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Publication number: 20250305590Abstract: Zone control devices that integrate a valve, filter, and pressure regulator within a single device are provided. Specifically, the zone control devices include a main body having a base portion with an inlet passage and an outlet passage attachable to a conduit and a body portion extending from the base portion having an interior for receiving a filter. The zone control devices further include a valve bonnet including a solenoid bowl for attaching a solenoid. In some embodiments, an adapter removably couples the valve bonnet to the main body of the zone control device and forms an interface between the valve bonnet and the main body to operate the valve. The zone control devices also may include a pressure regulator in the vent flow path positioned in a vent flow path of the valve bonnet downstream of the solenoid for regulating pressure at the valve. In embodiments, the vent flow path is positioned to vent fluid into the main body downstream of the filter.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 29, 2024Publication date: October 2, 2025Inventors: Kevin Mark Irwin, Brian Allen Biang, Michael Joseph Millius, Paul Gregory Dailey, Riccardo J. Tresso, Leilanny Bujanda, Brian C. Hoover, Pedro Alejandro Raygoza Flores, Kevin James Markley, Michael A. McAfee
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Publication number: 20250303430Abstract: An irrigation device is provided having a housing with an inlet and a riser movable relative to the housing between a retracted position and an extended position. The irrigation device includes a pressure regulator mounted in the riser. The pressure regulator has a flow tube, a flow seat, and an elongated actuator. The flow tube is movable relative to the flow seat to control fluid flow into the flow tube. The elongated actuator is sized to extend through the flow tube to apply force from a nozzle assembly mounted to the riser to the flow seat to set a position of the flow seat in the riser.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 26, 2024Publication date: October 2, 2025Inventors: Michael A. McAfee, Mateusz Grzegorz Kruzel, Arianne Madriaga Williams, Matthew S. Prucinsky, Ryan Douglas Lee
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Patent number: 12343748Abstract: A multi-mode sprinkler adjustable for part or full circle operation to irrigate a selected area is provided. The sprinkler includes a nozzle for dispensing fluid, a set of gears for rotating the nozzle and an arc setting mechanism that cooperates with the set of gears. The arc setting mechanism comprises a fixed trip for switching to a first direction for the nozzle and an adjustable trip movable relative to the fixed trip for setting an arc of rotation for the nozzle in the part circle mode. The arc setting mechanism also includes a toggle for engaging the fixed trip and the adjustable to switch between a first direction and a second direction when in the part circle mode. In the full circle mode, the adjustable trip overlaps at least in part the fixed trip, such that the fixed trip deflects the toggle radially inward, allowing continuous rotation of the nozzle.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2022Date of Patent: July 1, 2025Assignee: Rain Bird CorporationInventors: Michael A. McAfee, Saul Le-Garcia Rodolfo
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Publication number: 20240326075Abstract: A sprinkler that includes an internal flow adjustment valve is provided. The valve enables an operator of the sprinkler to selectively shut off, turn back on, or adjust the flow of water through the sprinkler while a riser of the sprinkler is in its extended position. The valve includes a valve seat disposed on an internal flow tube and a valve plunger having an actuation shaft and a throttle nut. An outboard end of the actuation shaft can be accessed and rotated at a riser cap, which causes vertical movement of the valve plunger as threads on an inboard end of the actuation shaft engage a threaded passage disposed in the internal flow tube. Vertical movement of the valve plunger causes movement of the throttle nut relative to the valve seat and opening and closing of the valve. The throttle nut and the valve seat may have corresponding dual helical surfaces.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 31, 2023Publication date: October 3, 2024Inventors: Steven David Geerligs, Michael A. McAfee, Suzanne Marie Schneider, Jiangjiang Dai
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Publication number: 20240293833Abstract: An irrigation device having an adjustable pressure regulator is provided. The irrigation device includes a housing having an inlet and a riser movable relative to the housing between a retracted position and an extended position. A retainer is secured in the riser. A flow tube extends through the retainer and is configured to move relative to the retainer. The irrigation device includes a valve coupled to the riser with the valve closing the inlet when the riser is in the retracted position. The valve is spaced from the retainer in the riser by an axial gap. The irrigation device includes a seat positioned in the axial gap. The seat is adjustably mounted to the valve such that an axial position of the seat relative to the flow tube is adjustable to adjust a regulation pressure of the irrigation device.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 3, 2023Publication date: September 5, 2024Inventor: Michael A. McAfee
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Publication number: 20240283325Abstract: Some embodiments provide irrigation generator systems that include a main conduit comprising an inlet conduit and an outlet conduit; a flow control system positioned within the main conduit; a generator conduit comprising a generator inlet conduit and a generator outlet conduit, wherein the generator inlet conduit is fluidly coupled with the main conduit upstream of the flow control system, the generator outlet conduit is fluidly coupled with the main conduit downstream of the flow control system; and a generator comprising a rotor assembly cooperated with generator conduit to be physically activated by a flow of fluid through the generator conduit causing rotation of the rotor assembly and generates electrical power. The flow control system transitions between a closed state to the open state in response to a water pressure exceeding a pressure threshold.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 30, 2024Publication date: August 22, 2024Inventors: Michael J. Millius, Riccardo J. Tresso, Randy R. Montgomery, Patrick J. Hibbs, Parthiv A. Rajgor, Michael A. McAfee, Jiangjiang Dai, John E. Price, Bradley H. Dolbin
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Patent number: 12030072Abstract: A pressure regulation device and method are provided for reducing fluid flow. The device may be disposed within a stem of a sprinkler, within the nozzle filter or other appropriate location within the sprinkler. The device may be a single piece structure that is formed from a thermoplastic elastomer material. The device has a body with slots that form sidewalls, which are configured to move relative to each other and deflect relative to a neutral state. The amount of movement relative to each other from the neutral state causes a reduction in pressure of the fluid exiting the regulator.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 2021Date of Patent: July 9, 2024Assignee: Rain Bird CorporationInventor: Michael A. McAfee
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Patent number: 11990823Abstract: Some embodiments provide irrigation generator systems that include a main conduit comprising an inlet conduit and an outlet conduit; a flow control system positioned within the main conduit; a generator conduit comprising a generator inlet conduit and a generator outlet conduit, wherein the generator inlet conduit is fluidly coupled with the main conduit upstream of the flow control system, the generator outlet conduit is fluidly coupled with the main conduit downstream of the flow control system; and a generator comprising a rotor assembly cooperated with generator conduit to be physically activated by a flow of fluid through the generator conduit causing rotation of the rotor assembly and generates electrical power. The flow control system transitions between a closed state to the open state in response to a water pressure exceeding a pressure threshold.Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 2022Date of Patent: May 21, 2024Assignee: Rain Bird CorporationInventors: Michael J. Millius, Riccardo J. Tresso, Randy R. Montgomery, Patrick J. Hibbs, Parthiv A. Rajgor, Michael A. McAfee, Jiangjiang Dai, John E. Price, Bradley H. Dolbin
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Patent number: 11980140Abstract: An irrigation device is provided with an indicator that may be converted to indicate a condition, such as use with non-potable fluid. The irrigation device includes an inlet, and outlet, and a body defining a flow path from the inlet to the outlet. It further includes a cover with a removable section, and an indicator at least partially under the removable cover. The indicia indicate a condition of the irrigation device, such as being used with non-potable fluid. In one state, the cover is intact and the indicia are not exposed. In another state, the removable section has been removed and the indicia are at least partially exposed.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 2022Date of Patent: May 14, 2024Assignee: Rain Bird CorporationInventors: Saul Le-Garcia Rodolfo, Michael A. McAfee, Jeffrey Glenn Johnson
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Publication number: 20240139761Abstract: A multi-mode sprinkler adjustable for part or full circle operation to irrigate a selected area is provided. The sprinkler includes a nozzle for dispensing fluid, a set of gears for rotating the nozzle, and an arc setting mechanism that cooperates with the set of gears. The arc setting mechanism comprises a fixed trip for switching to a first direction for the nozzle and an adjustable trip movable relative to the fixed trip for setting an arc of rotation for the nozzle in the part circle mode. The arc setting mechanism also includes a toggle for engaging the fixed trip and the adjustable trip to switch between a first direction and a second direction when in the part circle mode. In the full circle mode, the adjustable trip is deflected radially outward, and the fixed trip deflects radially outward as it passes the toggle, allowing continuous rotation of the nozzle.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 27, 2022Publication date: May 2, 2024Inventor: Michael A. McAfee