Abstract: A mechanism is described to resist or prevent rotation of portions of an irrigation sprinkler riser when in its lowered or popped-down position. Hence, when a pedestrian walks over a lowered sprinkler or a lawn mower rolls over a sprinkler, for example, the riser will remain fixed in its rotational orientation relative to its outer body and surroundings. By resisting or preventing this rotation, this rotational locking mechanism prevents damage to the internal transmission, gears, and arc trip mechanisms of the sprinkler, as well as prevents the watering arc from being accidentally adjusted.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a rotor or sprinkler that allows its watering arc to be rotated, increased, or decreased by user-rotation of the sprinkler's rotating nozzle base.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a rotor or sprinkler that allows its watering arc to be rotated, increased, or decreased by user-rotation of the sprinkler's rotating nozzle base.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a rotor or sprinkler that allows its watering arc to be rotated, increased, or decreased by user-rotation of the sprinkler's rotating nozzle base.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a rotor or sprinkler that allows its watering arc to be rotated, increased, or decreased by user-rotation of the sprinkler's rotating nozzle base.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a sprinkler valve includes an actuator member that is rotatably disposed within a sprinkler head and restricted from vertical movement. The inside of the actuator member includes a helical groove within an inner cavity. A plunger at least partially fits within the actuator member's inner cavity and further includes a thread that mates with the helical groove of the actuator member. As the actuator member is rotated by a user, its helical groove causes the plunger to move downwards toward the top of a tube or water passage. If fully extended downward, the flat portion of the plunger fully covers and seals the top of the tube, preventing water from escaping from the sprinkler.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a sprinkler valve includes an actuator member that is rotatably disposed within a sprinkler head and restricted from vertical movement. The inside of the actuator member includes a helical groove within an inner cavity. A plunger at least partially fits within the actuator member's inner cavity and further includes a thread that mates with the helical groove of the actuator member. As the actuator member is rotated by a user, its helical groove causes the plunger to move downwards toward the top of a tube or water passage. If fully extended downward, the flat portion of the plunger fully covers and seals the top of the tube, preventing water from escaping from the sprinkler.

Abstract: A sprinkler nozzle is described, having a hydrofoil member located on a lower surface near the nozzle exit aperture. As the water exits the nozzle, a portion of that water moves over the hydrofoil, causing it to be gently directed downwards with minimal turbulence. A portion of this water may be further directed by ramps extending from the face of the nozzle. Ultimately, the water is distributed to close-in areas of turf at about the same rate as other distances in the watering radius, eliminating “close-in” overwater that occurs in prior art nozzles. Additionally, by providing a less abrupt flow-directing feature than the prior art, the rate and therefore the force of the nearby watering flow is less (i.e., more gentle) than prior art nozzles.

Abstract: A sprinkler head having a deformable member forming a collar is disclosed. The deformable member allows the sprinkler head to resist entry of foreign grit or matter within the sprinkler head, and allows the sprinkler head to eject or force out foreign matter from within the sprinkler head. The sprinkler head may be a spinning sprinkler head including a vane deflector, and the spinning sprinkler head may include a portion that shifts in response to being struck by water such that a braking mechanism is engaged in response to the force of the water. When water flow ceases, the spinning head may shift towards the deformable member so that a portion of the spinning head is received within the deformable member to restrict foreign matter from entering the sprinkler head.

Abstract: A rotating stream sprinkler of the type having a rotatable deflector for sweeping small streams of irrigation water in a radially outward direction to irrigate adjacent vegetation, wherein the sprinkler includes a speed control brake for maintaining a substantially constant deflector rotational speed throughout a range of normal operating pressures and flow rates. The deflector includes an array of spiral vanes engaged by one or more water jets for rotatably driving the deflector which converts the jets into a plurality of relatively small irrigation streams swept over the surrounding terrain. A friction plate rotatable with the deflector engages a brake pad retained against a nonrotating brake disk. The brake pad includes tapered contact faces for varying the friction contact radius in response to changes in water pressure and/or flow rate to maintain deflector rotational speed substantially constant.

Abstract: A rotating stream sprinkler of the type having a rotatable deflector for sweeping small streams of irrigation water in a radially outward direction to irrigate adjacent vegetation, wherein the sprinkler includes a speed control brake for maintaining a substantially constant deflector rotational speed throughout a range of normal operating pressures and flow rates. The deflector includes an array of spiral vanes engaged by one or more water jets for rotatably driving the deflector which converts the jets into a plurality of relatively small irrigation streams swept over the surrounding terrain. A friction plate rotatable with the deflector engages a brake pad retained against a nonrotating brake disk. The brake pad includes tapered contact faces for varying the friction contact radius in response to changes in water pressure and/or flow rate to maintain deflector rotational speed substantially constant.