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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Publication number: 20130009086Abstract: An irrigation valve has a valve body with an inlet passage, an outlet passage, and a valve seat intermediate the inlet passage and the outlet passage. A diaphragm includes a valve seat engaging portion that cooperates with the valve seat to control flow through the valve. The valve seat and the valve seat engaging portion of the diaphragm are offset relative to the inlet passage to improve flow through the valve to reduce pressure and energy loss.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 30, 2011Publication date: January 10, 2013Inventor: Samuel C. Walker
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Publication number: 20130008542Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 5, 2012Publication date: January 10, 2013Inventors: Kevin M. Irwin, Steven L. Felde, Kenneth J. Skripkar, Samuel C. Walker, Russell Churchill, Edward David Baker, Oscar Pulgarin, JR., Zachary Steven Dean, Mustafa Mohammed A. Albahrani, Christopher D. Holt, Scott Kent Zimmerman, Peter Niess
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Publication number: 20120292403Abstract: A variable arc sprinkler head or nozzle may be set to numerous positions to adjust the arcuate span of the sprinkler. The sprinkler head includes 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 without the need for a hand tool. A method of irrigation is also provided involving moving the deflector between an arc adjustment position and an operational, irrigation position. The sprinkler head may also include a flow rate adjustment valve that may be adjusted by actuation or rotation of an outer wall portion of the sprinkler. Rotation of the outer wall portion causes a flow control member to move axially to or away from an inlet.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 31, 2012Publication date: November 22, 2012Applicant: Rain Bird CorporationInventors: Steven B. Hunnicutt, Samuel C. Walker
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Patent number: 8272583Abstract: A variable arc sprinkler head or nozzle may be set to numerous positions to adjust the arcuate span of the sprinkler. The sprinkler head includes 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 without the need for a hand tool. A method of irrigation is also provided involving moving the deflector between an arc adjustment position and an operational, irrigation position. The sprinkler head may also include a flow rate adjustment valve that may be adjusted by actuation or rotation of an outer wall portion of the sprinkler. Rotation of the outer wall portion causes a flow control member to move axially to or away from an inlet.Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 2009Date of Patent: September 25, 2012Assignee: Rain Bird CorporationInventors: Steven B. Hunnicutt, Samuel C. Walker
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Publication number: 20120061489Abstract: A variable arc sprinkler may be set to numerous positions along a continuum to adjust the arcuate span of the sprinkler. The sprinkler includes a nozzle body and a valve sleeve that helically engage each other to define an arcuate slot that may be adjusted at the top of the sprinkler to a desired arcuate span. The sprinkler may include a flow rate adjustment device that may be adjusted by actuation or rotation of an outer wall portion of the sprinkler. Rotation of the outer wall portion may cause a throttle control member to move axially to or away from an inlet, or may cause one or more restrictor elements to open or close, to control the flow rate of the sprinkler.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 21, 2011Publication date: March 15, 2012Applicant: RAIN BIRD CORPORATIONInventors: Steven Brian Hunnicutt, Samuel C. Walker, Rowshan Jahan
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Patent number: 8074897Abstract: A variable arc sprinkler may be set to numerous positions along a continuum to adjust the arcuate span of the sprinkler. The sprinkler includes a nozzle body and a valve sleeve that helically engage each other to define an arcuate slot that may be adjusted at the top of the sprinkler to a desired arcuate span. The sprinkler may include a flow rate adjustment device that may be adjusted by actuation or rotation of an outer wall portion of the sprinkler. Rotation of the outer wall portion may cause a throttle control member to move axially to or away from an inlet, or may cause one or more restrictor elements to open or close, to control the flow rate of the sprinkler.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 2008Date of Patent: December 13, 2011Assignee: Rain Bird CorporationInventors: Steven Brian Hunnicutt, Samuel C. Walker, Rowshan Jahan
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Publication number: 20110147489Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: December 18, 2009Publication date: June 23, 2011Applicant: Rain Bird CorporationInventors: Samuel C. Walker, Donald B. Clark, Rowshan Jahan
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Publication number: 20110147488Abstract: A nozzle bush is provided for use with an irrigation device, such as a pop-up irrigation device. The nozzle bush includes a plurality of different nozzle bodies removably attached about its periphery, and may include an integrated flush port that can be attached to an irrigation device.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 18, 2009Publication date: June 23, 2011Applicant: Rain Bird CorporationInventors: Samuel C. Walker, Donald B. Clark, Rowshan Jahan
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Publication number: 20110147484Abstract: 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, or in a threaded manner. 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. Ribs may extend from the housing to facilitate retention when buried. 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: ApplicationFiled: December 17, 2010Publication date: June 23, 2011Applicant: RAIN BIRD CORPORATIONInventors: Rowshan Jahan, Donald B. Clark, Samuel C. Walker
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Publication number: 20110121097Abstract: A variable arc sprinkler head or nozzle may be set to numerous positions to adjust the arcuate span of the sprinkler. The sprinkler head includes 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 sprinkler head may include a lock-out feature to prevent adjustment. A method of irrigation is also provided involving moving the deflector between an arc adjustment position and an operational, irrigation position. The sprinkler head may also include a flow rate adjustment valve that may be adjusted by actuation of an outer wall of the sprinkler. Rotation of the outer wall causes a flow control member to move axially to or away from an inlet.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 23, 2010Publication date: May 26, 2011Inventors: Samuel C. Walker, Steven Brian Hunnicutt
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Publication number: 20100301142Abstract: A variable arc sprinkler head or nozzle may be set to numerous positions to adjust the arcuate span of the sprinkler. The sprinkler head includes 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 without the need for a hand tool. A method of irrigation is also provided involving moving the deflector between an arc adjustment position and an operational, irrigation position. The sprinkler head may also include a flow rate adjustment valve that may be adjusted by actuation or rotation of an outer wall portion of the sprinkler. Rotation of the outer wall portion causes a flow control member to move axially to or away from an inlet.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 29, 2009Publication date: December 2, 2010Applicant: Rain Bird CorporationInventors: Steven B. Hunnicutt, Samuel C. Walker
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Publication number: 20100108787Abstract: A variable arc sprinkler nozzle is provided for distribution of water through nearly any adjustable arcuate span. The nozzle includes one or more arcuate slots formed by the helical engagement of spiral surfaces of a deflector and a nozzle body. A user may rotate a portion of the nozzle body to select the arcuate span of the one or more slots. A matched precipitation rate feature is adjustable to proportion the amount of water directed to the deflector depending on the extent of the arcuate span. Further, edge fins on the deflector and nozzle body channel water flow at the two edges of the distribution arc to increase the throw radius and to provide fairly uniform water distribution at the edges of the arc.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 13, 2010Publication date: May 6, 2010Inventors: Samuel C. Walker, Steven D. Geerligs
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Patent number: 7703706Abstract: A variable arc sprinkler nozzle is provided for distribution of water through nearly any adjustable arcuate span. The nozzle includes one or more arcuate slots formed by the helical engagement of spiral surfaces of a deflector and a nozzle body. A user may rotate a portion of the nozzle body to select the arcuate span of the one or more slots. A matched precipitation rate feature is adjustable to proportion the amount of water directed to the deflector depending on the extent of the arcuate span. Further, edge fins on the deflector and nozzle body channel water flow at the two edges of the distribution arc to increase the throw radius and to provide fairly uniform water distribution at the edges of the arc.Type: GrantFiled: January 12, 2007Date of Patent: April 27, 2010Assignee: Rain Bird CorporationInventor: Samuel C. Walker
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Publication number: 20100090024Abstract: A variable arc sprinkler may be set to numerous positions along a continuum to adjust the arcuate span of the sprinkler. The sprinkler includes a nozzle body and a valve sleeve that helically engage each other to define an arcuate slot that may be adjusted at the top of the sprinkler to a desired arcuate span. The sprinkler may include a flow rate adjustment device that may be adjusted by actuation or rotation of an outer wall portion of the sprinkler. Rotation of the outer wall portion may cause a throttle control member to move axially to or away from an inlet, or may cause one or more restrictor elements to open or close, to control the flow rate of the sprinkler.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 9, 2008Publication date: April 15, 2010Inventors: Steven Brian Hunnicutt, Samuel C. Walker, Rowshan Jahan
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Publication number: 20090283615Abstract: A nozzle is provided having a primary outlet for distribution of water relatively distant from the nozzle and a secondary outlet for distribution of water relatively close to the nozzle. The nozzle includes a threaded portion for coupling the nozzle to a source of pressurized water. A flow channel to the secondary outlet is formed through the threads to provide an appropriate pressure drop to improve water distribution to terrain relatively close to the nozzle. The flow channel may cut across the threads or may extend in the same direction as the threads. The flow channel may be tortuous or non-tortuous based on the number of directional changes in the flow channel, thereby allowing the tailoring of close-in water distribution characteristics.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 14, 2008Publication date: November 19, 2009Applicant: RAIN BIRD CORPORATIONInventor: Samuel C. Walker
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Publication number: 20090188988Abstract: A spray nozzle and method are provided in which fluid flow through the nozzle is inverted and in which a portion of a nozzle body may be rotatable adjusted to distribute water in a desired arc of coverage. Water first flows upwardly through the nozzle body, into an adjustable arcuate chamber defined by a helical interface in the nozzle body, is inverted, and is redirected downwardly through the nozzle body. Water may flow upwardly through a first set of flow passages and downwardly through a second set of flow passages. Water is directed downwardly against a distribution surface having an uneven surface profile for improved water distribution to terrain near to and distant from the nozzle. The water is directed downwardly against the distribution surface in the nozzle body and outwardly to surrounding terrain. The flow passages may be adapted to provide a matched precipitation rate for nozzles with different throw radiuses.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 3, 2009Publication date: July 30, 2009Applicant: Rain Bird CorporationInventors: Samuel C. Walker, Rowshan Jahan
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Publication number: 20080191059Abstract: A down flow spray nozzle is provided in which water is directed downwardly against one or more deflector surfaces for improved water distribution to terrain near to and distant from the nozzle. The nozzle is mounted to a water source and may include a nozzle base and a nozzle body having flow passages. Water flows upwardly into the flow passages of the nozzle base, upwardly through flow passages in the nozzle body into a chamber, and is redirected downwardly through other flow passages in the nozzle body. The water is directed downwardly against concave deflector surfaces in the nozzle base and outwardly to surrounding terrain.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 13, 2007Publication date: August 14, 2008Inventor: Samuel C. Walker
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Publication number: 20080169363Abstract: A variable arc sprinkler nozzle is provided for distribution of water through nearly any adjustable arcuate span. The nozzle includes one or more arcuate slots formed by the helical engagement of spiral surfaces of a deflector and a nozzle body. A user may rotate a portion of the nozzle body to select the arcuate span of the one or more slots. A matched precipitation rate feature is adjustable to proportion the amount of water directed to the deflector depending on the extent of the arcuate span. Further, edge fins on the deflector and nozzle body channel water flow at the two edges of the distribution arc to increase the throw radius and to provide fairly uniform water distribution at the edges of the arc.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 12, 2007Publication date: July 17, 2008Inventor: Samuel C. Walker
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Patent number: 7299999Abstract: An improved rotating stream sprinkler of the type having a rotatable spray head with an offset nozzle port through which a water stream is projected outwardly, resulting in a reaction force for rotatably driving the spray head to sweep the water stream over a surrounding terrain area. The spray head is rotatably mounted on a body adapted for connection to a pressurized water supply, with interengaging bearing components providing predetermined friction brake torque resisting spray head rotation. By appropriately designing the nozzle port area and offset geometry, drive torque and brake torque is maintained at a substantially constant ratio for relatively slow and substantially constant spray head rotational speed over a range of normal water supply operating pressures. A downthrust spring retains the bearing components in engagement when the water supply is turned off, but does not contribute to friction brake torque when the water supply is turned on.Type: GrantFiled: April 2, 2003Date of Patent: November 27, 2007Assignee: Rain Bird CorporationInventor: Samuel C. Walker
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Patent number: D527791Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 2005Date of Patent: September 5, 2006Assignee: Rain Bird CorporationInventors: Travis L. Onofrio, Samuel C. Walker