Patents by Inventor Samuel C. Walker
Samuel C. Walker 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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Patent number: 11666929Abstract: Irrigation nozzles are provided that irrigate a full circle coverage area with different maximum throw radiuses. The nozzle may include two bodies, one nested within the other, that acting together form the full circle coverage area. The two bodies collectively define an annular exit orifice with one of the bodies defining the inner radius and the other body defining the outer radius. A flow restrictable inlet may be used to adjust flow through the nozzle and to adjust the maximum throw radius. The nozzle may also include a flow reduction valve to reduce the throw radius from a maximum distance and may be adjusted by actuation of an outer wall of the nozzle. A deflector for use with an irrigation nozzle is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2018Date of Patent: June 6, 2023Assignee: Rain Bird CorporationInventors: Steven David Geerligs, Lee James Shadbolt, Samuel C. Walker
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Patent number: 11660621Abstract: A nozzle is provided having a low precipitation rate and uniform fluid distribution to a desired arcuate span of coverage. The nozzle has an inflow port having a shape corresponding to the desired arc of coverage and a size for effecting a low precipitation rate. The nozzle also has a deflector surface with a water distribution profile including ribs for subdividing the fluid into multiple sets of fluid streams. There are at least two fluid streams for distant and close-in irrigation to provide relatively uniform distribution and coverage. The nozzle may be a unitary, one-piece, molded nozzle body including a mounting portion, an inflow port, and a deflector portion.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 2021Date of Patent: May 30, 2023Assignee: Rain Bird CorporationInventors: Samuel C. Walker, John James Wlassich, Lee James Shadbolt, David Eugene Robertson
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Patent number: 11511289Abstract: Irrigation nozzles are provided that irrigate a full circle coverage area with different maximum throw radiuses. The nozzle may include two bodies, one nested within the other, that acting together form the full circle coverage area. The two bodies collectively define an annular exit orifice with one of the bodies defining the inner radius and the other body defining the outer radius. A flow restrictable inlet may be used to adjust flow through the nozzle and to adjust the maximum throw radius. The nozzle may also include a flow reduction valve to reduce the throw radius from a maximum distance and may be adjusted by actuation of an outer wall of the nozzle. A deflector for use with an irrigation nozzle is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 2017Date of Patent: November 29, 2022Assignee: Rain Bird CorporationInventors: Steven David Geerligs, Lee James Shadbolt, Samuel C. Walker
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Patent number: 11277973Abstract: Several embodiments provide cycle and soak irrigation control units, comprising: a housing; a plurality of pairs of actuation line connectors comprising input connectors to couple with output actuation lines of a separate irrigation controller, and output connectors to couple with actuatable devices; a plurality of electrical pathways each coupling a respective input connector to a corresponding output connector and allowing an activation signal to be passed; at least one switch configured to selectively allow or interrupt activation signals to pass to a corresponding output connector; and a timing control circuit controlling the switch, based on an application of an activation signal on an input connector, a duration of a series of cycle-on timings during which the activation signal is emitted from the output connector to activate an actuatable device and soak-off timings during which the activation signal is prevented from being emitted deactivating the actuatable device.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 2019Date of Patent: March 22, 2022Assignee: Rain Bird CorporationInventors: Randy R. Montgomery, John E. Price, Chong Wang Kwak, Samuel C. Walker, David Charles Belongia
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Patent number: 11247219Abstract: A nozzle is provided having a low precipitation rate and uniform fluid distribution to a desired arcuate span of coverage. The nozzle has an inflow port having a shape corresponding to the desired arc of coverage and a size for effecting a low precipitation rate. The nozzle also has a deflector surface with a water distribution profile including ribs for subdividing the fluid into multiple sets of fluid streams. There are at least two fluid streams for distant and close-in irrigation to provide relatively uniform distribution and coverage. The nozzle may be a unitary, one-piece, molded nozzle body including a mounting portion, an inflow port, and a deflector portion.Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 2019Date of Patent: February 15, 2022Assignee: Rain Bird CorporationInventors: Samuel C. Walker, John James Wlassich, Lee James Shadbolt, David Eugene Robertson
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Publication number: 20210331185Abstract: A nozzle is provided having a low precipitation rate and uniform fluid distribution to a desired arcuate span of coverage. The nozzle has an inflow port having a shape corresponding to the desired arc of coverage and a size for effecting a low precipitation rate. The nozzle also has a deflector surface with a water distribution profile including ribs for subdividing the fluid into multiple sets of fluid streams. There are at least two fluid streams for distant and close-in irrigation to provide relatively uniform distribution and coverage. The nozzle may be a unitary, one-piece, molded nozzle body including a mounting portion, an inflow port, and a deflector portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 8, 2021Publication date: October 28, 2021Inventors: Samuel C. Walker, John James Wlassich, Lee James Shadbolt, David Eugene Robertson
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Patent number: 11154881Abstract: An irrigation nozzle with a rotating deflector is provided whose rotational speed may be controlled by a friction brake. The nozzle may also include an arc adjustment valve having two portions that helically engage each other to define an opening that may be adjusted at the top of the sprinkler to a desired arcuate length. The arcuate length may be adjusted by pressing down and rotating a deflector to directly actuate the valve. The nozzle may also include a radius reduction valve that may be adjusted by actuation of an outer wall of the nozzle. Rotation of the outer wall causes a flow control member to move axially to or away from an inlet.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 2019Date of Patent: October 26, 2021Assignee: RAIN BIRD CORPORATIONInventors: Samuel C. Walker, Lee James Shadbolt, David Eugene Robertson
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Patent number: 11154877Abstract: A specialty nozzle is provided having a pattern adjustment valve that may be adjusted to irrigate a substantially rectangular irrigation area. The nozzle may be further adjusted to irrigate three different substantially rectangular irrigation areas. The nozzle is adjustable to function as a left strip nozzle, right strip nozzle, and side strip nozzle. The strip irrigation setting may be selected by pressing down and rotating a deflector to directly actuate the valve. The nozzle may also include a flow reduction valve to set the size of the rectangular irrigation areas and may be adjusted by actuation of an outer wall of the nozzle. Other specialty nozzles are provided having a fixed pattern template to irrigate a rectangular area, such as left strip, right strip, or side strip.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2017Date of Patent: October 26, 2021Assignee: Rain Bird CorporationInventors: Samuel C. Walker, David Charles Belongia, Jason Addink, Andrew P. Miller
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Publication number: 20210154687Abstract: A nozzle is provided having a low precipitation rate and uniform fluid distribution to a desired arcuate span of coverage. The nozzle has an inflow port having a shape corresponding to the desired arc of coverage and a size for effecting a low precipitation rate. The nozzle also has a deflector surface with a water distribution profile including ribs for subdividing the fluid into multiple sets of fluid streams. There are at least two fluid streams for distant and close-in irrigation to provide relatively uniform distribution and coverage. The nozzle may be a unitary, one-piece, molded nozzle body including a mounting portion, an inflow port, and a deflector portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 22, 2019Publication date: May 27, 2021Inventors: Samuel C. Walker, John James Wlassich, Lee James Shadbolt, David Eugene Robertson
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Publication number: 20200037509Abstract: Several embodiments provide cycle and soak irrigation control units, comprising: a housing; a plurality of pairs of actuation line connectors comprising input connectors to couple with output actuation lines of a separate irrigation controller, and output connectors to couple with actuatable devices; a plurality of electrical pathways each coupling a respective input connector to a corresponding output connector and allowing an activation signal to be passed; at least one switch configured to selectively allow or interrupt activation signals to pass to a corresponding output connector; and a timing control circuit controlling the switch, based on an application of an activation signal on an input connector, a duration of a series of cycle-on timings during which the activation signal is emitted from the output connector to activate an actuatable device and soak-off timings during which the activation signal is prevented from being emitted deactivating the actuatable device.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 1, 2019Publication date: February 6, 2020Inventors: Randy R. Montgomery, John E. Price, Chong Wang Kwak, Samuel C. Walker, David Charles Belongia
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Patent number: 10462977Abstract: Several embodiments provide cycle and soak irrigation control units, comprising: a housing; a plurality of pairs of actuation line connectors comprising input connectors to couple with output actuation lines of a separate irrigation controller, and output connectors to couple with actuatable devices; a plurality of electrical pathways each coupling a respective input connector to a corresponding output connector and allowing an activation signal to be passed; at least one switch configured to selectively allow or interrupt activation signals to pass to a corresponding output connector; and a timing control circuit controlling the switch, based on an application of an activation signal on an input connector, a duration of a series of cycle-on timings during which the activation signal is emitted from the output connector to activate an actuatable device and soak-off timings during which the activation signal is prevented from being emitted deactivating the actuatable device.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2017Date of Patent: November 5, 2019Assignee: Rain Bird CorporationInventors: Randy R. Montgomery, John E. Price, Chong Wang Kwak, Samuel C. Walker, David Charles Belongia
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Publication number: 20190283052Abstract: An irrigation nozzle with a rotating deflector is provided whose rotational speed may be controlled by a friction brake. The nozzle may also include an arc adjustment valve having two portions that helically engage each other to define an opening that may be adjusted at the top of the sprinkler to a desired arcuate length. The arcuate length may be adjusted by pressing down and rotating a deflector to directly actuate the valve. The nozzle may also include a radius reduction valve that may be adjusted by actuation of an outer wall of the nozzle. Rotation of the outer wall causes a flow control member to move axially to or away from an inlet.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 15, 2019Publication date: September 19, 2019Inventors: Samuel C. Walker, Lee James Shadbolt, David Eugene Robertson
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Patent number: 10322423Abstract: An irrigation nozzle with a rotating deflector is provided whose rotational speed may be controlled by a friction brake. The nozzle may also include an arc adjustment valve having two portions that helically engage each other to define an opening that may be adjusted at the top of the sprinkler to a desired arcuate length. The arcuate length may be adjusted by pressing down and rotating a deflector to directly actuate the valve. The nozzle may also include a radius reduction valve that may be adjusted by actuation of an outer wall of the nozzle. Rotation of the outer wall causes a flow control member to move axially to or away from an inlet.Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 2016Date of Patent: June 18, 2019Assignee: Rain Bird CorporationInventors: Samuel C. Walker, Lee James Shadbolt, David Eugene Robertson
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Publication number: 20190118195Abstract: Irrigation nozzles are provided that irrigate a full circle coverage area with different maximum throw radiuses. The nozzle may include two bodies, one nested within the other, that acting together form the full circle coverage area. The two bodies collectively define an annular exit orifice with one of the bodies defining the inner radius and the other body defining the outer radius. A flow restrictable inlet may be used to adjust flow through the nozzle and to adjust the maximum throw radius. The nozzle may also include a flow reduction valve to reduce the throw radius from a maximum distance and may be adjusted by actuation of an outer wall of the nozzle. A deflector for use with an irrigation nozzle is also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 13, 2018Publication date: April 25, 2019Inventors: Steven David Geerligs, Lee James Shadbolt, Samuel C. Walker
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Publication number: 20190082629Abstract: Several embodiments provide cycle and soak irrigation control units, comprising: a housing; a plurality of pairs of actuation line connectors comprising input connectors to couple with output actuation lines of a separate irrigation controller, and output connectors to couple with actuatable devices; a plurality of electrical pathways each coupling a respective input connector to a corresponding output connector and allowing an activation signal to be passed; at least one switch configured to selectively allow or interrupt activation signals to pass to a corresponding output connector; and a timing control circuit controlling the switch, based on an application of an activation signal on an input connector, a duration of a series of cycle-on timings during which the activation signal is emitted from the output connector to activate an actuatable device and soak-off timings during which the activation signal is prevented from being emitted deactivating the actuatable device.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 19, 2017Publication date: March 21, 2019Inventors: Randy R. Montgomery, John E. Price, Chong Wang Kwak, Samuel C. Walker, David Charles Belongia
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Publication number: 20190015849Abstract: Irrigation nozzles are provided that irrigate a full circle coverage area with different maximum throw radiuses. The nozzle may include two bodies, one nested within the other, that acting together form the full circle coverage area. The two bodies collectively define an annular exit orifice with one of the bodies defining the inner radius and the other body defining the outer radius. A flow restrictable inlet may be used to adjust flow through the nozzle and to adjust the maximum throw radius. The nozzle may also include a flow reduction valve to reduce the throw radius from a maximum distance and may be adjusted by actuation of an outer wall of the nozzle. A deflector for use with an irrigation nozzle is also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 13, 2017Publication date: January 17, 2019Inventors: Steven David Geerligs, Lee James Shadbolt, Samuel C. Walker
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Publication number: 20180280994Abstract: A specialty nozzle is provided having a pattern adjustment valve that may be adjusted to irrigate a substantially rectangular irrigation area. The nozzle may be further adjusted to irrigate three different substantially rectangular irrigation areas. The nozzle is adjustable to function as a left strip nozzle, right strip nozzle, and side strip nozzle. The strip irrigation setting may be selected by pressing down and rotating a deflector to directly actuate the valve. The nozzle may also include a flow reduction valve to set the size of the rectangular irrigation areas and may be adjusted by actuation of an outer wall of the nozzle. Other specialty nozzles are provided having a fixed pattern template to irrigate a rectangular area, such as left strip, right strip, or side strip.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 29, 2017Publication date: October 4, 2018Inventors: Samuel C. Walker, David Charles Belongia, Jason Addink, Andrew P. Miller
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Publication number: 20180141060Abstract: An irrigation nozzle with a rotating deflector is provided whose rotational speed may be controlled by a friction brake. The nozzle may also include an arc adjustment valve having two portions that helically engage each other to define an opening that may be adjusted at the top of the sprinkler to a desired arcuate length. The arcuate length may be adjusted by pressing down and rotating a deflector to directly actuate the valve. The nozzle may also include a radius reduction valve that may be adjusted by actuation of an outer wall of the nozzle. Rotation of the outer wall causes a flow control member to move axially to or away from an inlet.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 22, 2016Publication date: May 24, 2018Inventors: Samuel C. Walker, Lee James Shadbolt, David Eugene Robertson
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Patent number: 9539674Abstract: An irrigation valve has a valve body with an inlet passage, an outlet passage, a valve seat intermediate the inlet passage and the outlet passage and a control chamber exit or bypass passage terminating in a surface that defines a portion of the outlet passage, the valve body including at least one of a recess and a rib for hindering clogging of the bypass passage. Related methods for hindering clogging of the control chamber or exit bypass passage are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 2013Date of Patent: January 10, 2017Assignee: Rain Bird CorporationInventor: Samuel C. Walker
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Patent number: 9440250Abstract: A pop-up irrigation device for use in a low pressure irrigation device is described. The device has a housing, a riser partially extensible from the housing and a nozzle body removably attached to an end of the riser in a non-threaded manner, such as using a snap-fit. One, two or more connection tubes or ports may extend laterally from the housing and can each be configured to be connectable to flexible irrigation tubing. An annular cap can be attached to the open end of the housing and may include an annular, radially-inward extending seal. The closed end of the housing may include a depending stake with a plurality of blades to facilitate mounting of the housing relative to the ground.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2009Date of Patent: September 13, 2016Assignee: Rain Bird CorporationInventors: Samuel C. Walker, Donald B. Clark, Rowshan Jahan