Abstract: An agricultural or industrial water filter comprises a spin plate, a flow distributing sleeve, and a cone basin. The spin plate includes fluid passageways disposed at a 20 degree angle relative to the axis of the filter. The flow distributing sleeve is disposed in between the screen and the filter chamber. The screen may be oversize with a screen area that is a multiple of the screen area of a standard screen. The sleeve comprises a plurality of axial slots which are more narrow at the proximal side and wider at the distal side. The end cap is coupled to a bottom of the filter chamber and disposed adjacent to a bottom of the screen. The end cap comprises a cone coupled to the top of a basin. The cone extends upwardly into the space within the screen. A narrow annulus with a small cross-sectional area is formed between the bottom edge of the cone and the top of the basin. The basin includes a flush tube to flush out particles collected in the basin and to cause a high velocity flow through the annulus.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for inspecting and sorting articles such as fruit and vegetables in which the articles are presented, on a conveyor, under a viewing device and classified. A take-off position is determined from the classification and the article is removed by means of an independently actuated ejector mechanism.

Abstract: An agricultural or industrial water filter comprises a spin plate, a flow distributing sleeve, and a cone basin. The spin plate includes fluid passageways disposed at a 20 degree angle relative to the axis of the filter. The flow distributing sleeve is disposed in between the screen and the filter chamber. The screen may be oversize with a screen area that is a multiple of the screen area of a standard screen. The sleeve comprises a plurality of axial slots which are more narrow at the proximal side and wider at the distal side. The end cap is coupled to a bottom of the filter chamber and disposed adjacent to a bottom of the screen. The end cap comprises a cone coupled to the top of a basin. The cone extends upwardly into the space within the screen. A narrow annulus with a small cross-sectional area is formed between the bottom edge of the cone and the top of the basin. The basin includes a flush tube to flush out particles collected in the basin and to cause a high velocity flow through the annulus.

Abstract: The present invention is a valve that shuts off only upon excess flow of liquid. A ball is seated within a ball holder. The ball holder has a circumferential side wall. An inlet orifice and one or more circumferential apertures are defined in the circumferential side wall. An outlet orifice is defined in a surface disposed above the ball holder. The ball holder may be disposed within a main body which directs all material flowing in the valve to enter the ball holder. Excess flow of liquid effects a shut-off position of the valve when the excess flow of liquid encounters resistance caused by the circumferential apertures. The resistance causes the liquid to flow through the inlet orifice at a flow high enough to push the ball upwards to a height at which the flow of liquid through the circumferential apertures carries the ball further upward to effectively seal the outlet aperture, at which point the sealed position is maintained by hydrostatic pressure.

Abstract: An in-line flow meter for use in drip irrigation systems which provides a field adjustable, infinitely variable visual flow indication of both high and low flow rates above and below a field adjustable normal flow rate is provided by means of a drag paddle rotatably disposed in the flow in the fluid conduit. The paddle carries a magnet and an indicator lever exterior to the conduit carries a second magnet which interacts with the magnet on the paddle. The paddle which hangs downwardly into the flow, and rotates upwardly and downwardly depending on whether the flow increases or decreases. The exterior indicator lever similarly rotates to mimic or telegraph the angular orientation of the paddle through the interaction of the two magnets. An adjustable counterweight is provided on or as the exterior indicator lever and can be positioned so that the indicator lever is approximately level or aligned with a fixed shield when the predetermined flow is achieved.