With Fixed Support For Or Ground Installed Supply Means (e.g., Static Constructional Installations) Patents (Class 239/200)
  • Publication number: 20100127097
    Abstract: A raised sprinkler head upon the top of a fence post delivers water in an aesthetically pleasing manner from a height above the ground for additional range. The sprinkler head blends with the decor of the fence post while the fence post provides a concealed water supply line that extends vertically. The water supply line of the fence post then connects to a buried irrigation supply line, or alternatively a hose. The present invention can be utilized inside of two fence posts and include a compatible fence section to make a pleasing arrangement to the eye.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2008
    Publication date: May 27, 2010
    Inventor: STEPHEN FRANK
  • Patent number: 7722739
    Abstract: A self-contained evaporation system for use in disposing of excess water from oil and gas drilling operations is provided. The system includes a water holding tank in which the wastewater is preheated, an evaporation chamber mounted over the holding tank and having an open top, a nozzle system located within the chamber for producing a fine liquid mist, and fans disposed within the chamber for producing an air flow that carries the mist out the open top of the chamber. The system can be set up and taken down by one person in an hour or less, can be used with pond or tank operations, and is capable of operating in high winds and sub-zero temperatures. The system can be carried and mounted on a trailer for easy transport to and from various drilling sites.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Assignee: Evaporite Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Darrin Niles Haslem, Michael Talmadge Lawing
  • Patent number: 7686234
    Abstract: An irrigation assembly has a main pipeline supported at intervals by mobile towers, a plurality of drop tube assemblies at spaced intervals along the pipeline and a collector positioned to receive water from the drop tube assembly. A plurality of targets are positioned on the ground in the paths of motion defined by the movement of the collectors. The targets may be dishes. Each dish preferably has a perforated drain that penetrates beneath the surface of the ground. Interaction between the collector and the target causes the water stored within the collector to be released into the target. The irrigation assembly may provide for underground irrigation without a collector where a dish or trough receives water from the drop tube assembly and underground drains allow for water to be dispersed below the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: Lindsay Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Richard W. Parod, Charles H. Meis
  • Patent number: 7661605
    Abstract: A fixing structure for a vertical tap includes a vertical tap, a mounting member, a fitting member, a fixing ring, and a decorative loop. The mounting member secured in the ground includes a receiving chamber arranged on the top thereof and has two retaining tabs aft ached on the upper end thereof. The upper end of the fitting member screws with the lower end of the vertical tap. The fitting member includes two opposite fastening projections disposed on the outer periphery at the lower end thereof and extending outwardly therefrom. The fixing ring is fitted onto the external rim of the vertical tap, is then secured in a wooden floor by using a number of wood screws, and is further engaged with the internal rim of the vertical tap by way of a bolt. The decorative loop covers the fixing ring, thereby supporting and securing the vertical tap easily.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2010
    Assignee: Horng Lai Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ming-Dang Shieh
  • Patent number: 7654474
    Abstract: The rotating sprinkler head valve includes an upper assembly with a stationary rigid cone received in a conical interior chamber of a rotor, and a cylindrical shaft extending through the stationary rigid cone and rotor. A lower assembly includes a bottom helix member, a strainer adapter having an internal transverse slotted plate and a rotatable slotted flow plate to permit flow when the flow plate slots are aligned with slots in the internal transverse slotted plate. A base top member includes a downwardly extending inner tubular portion and a lower interior edge surface with a helical lower surface forming an adjustable helical aperture in cooperation with the bottom helix member, and a recessed inner helical lip is configured to receive the upper helical surface of the bottom helix member for adjusting a helical aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2010
    Inventor: Paul M. Cordua
  • Patent number: 7648082
    Abstract: An irrigation sprinkler is for use in distributing water to an area of vegetation, and has a rotatable nozzle for dispersing the water by rotation of the nozzle. A magnet is coupled or connected to the nozzle and rotates synchronously with the rotation of the nozzle. A sensor unit is disposed adjacent to the nozzle and detects a magnetic field generated by the magnet during nozzle rotation to generate a signal indicative of the speed and direction of rotation of the nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Assignee: Rain Bird Corporation
    Inventors: T. Lynn Roney, Steven Sharp
  • Patent number: 7647981
    Abstract: In the system or method for sprinklering a building, the building has a water delivery pipe for delivery of water to at least two different floors of the building. On at least two floors, a respective sprinkler pipe with a plurality of sprinklers is installed. Also a respective pump is installed whose outlet is connected to the respective sprinkler pipe, and whose inlet is connected to the water delivery pipe. A respective sensor for the respective pump automatically activates the pump when at least one of the sprinklers is activated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Inventors: William Grant, Sharon Grant, legal representative
  • Publication number: 20100006669
    Abstract: The present invention describes a portable sprinkler riser mechanism that offers the location and stability of the stake type riser mechanisms, yet also provides the ease of placement and flexibility of the surface type riser mechanisms. This is accomplished through the use of a weighted impact hammer co-located with the riser.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2009
    Publication date: January 14, 2010
    Inventor: Bruce A. Thompson
  • Patent number: 7621467
    Abstract: An adjustable arc sprinkler includes first and second adjacent members that define a nozzle orifice. The first member can be connected to the end of a riser and defines a flow path leading to the nozzle orifice. The second member is rotatable relative to the first member to select a desired size of an adjustable arc fan-shaped water spray pattern when water travels through the flow path and is ejected from the nozzle orifice. A pair of features formed on the first and second members are configured to enhance a distribution of water at the edges of the water spray pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2009
    Assignee: Hunter Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Nathan T. Garcia
  • Publication number: 20090277974
    Abstract: A housing structure useful for protecting and stabilizing internal elements, such as a lawn and garden sprinkler. A housing has a hollow cylindrical interior with an open top and bottom. A resilient member is fixed inside the housing, and a central opening in the resilient member accommodates the body of the sprinkler. An adaptor may be used within the resilient member to accommodate different sprinkler sizes. A cover plate fits in the top opening of the housing and includes a central opening that allows the sprinkler head to extend through the opening. The resilient member resists any lateral forces imparted against the sprinkler head. A notch may be formed in the housing to accommodate a water pipe that is coupled to the sprinkler.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2009
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Inventors: Samino Citrawireja, David Liu
  • Patent number: 7594615
    Abstract: A handheld pop-up sprinkler riser-clamp for allowing sprinkler heads to be held in upright raised positions for maintenance work. A plastic block can have a side U-shaped cut-out with a continuous slot therebetween. A midportion of the U-shaped slot can have a widened opening that is greater in diameter than the rest of the U-shaped slot. The ends of the U-shaped cut-out can be held together with a screwable member. In operation the widened opening can be slipped over the raised head of the sprinkler head, and then the narrow portion of the clamp member is slid upon the exposed barrel neck of the sprinkler head and snapped into place so that the clamp holds and restricts the sprinkler head from moving back into its' base. The screwable fastener can adjust the width opening of the U-shaped slot as needed for different diameter necks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2009
    Inventor: William B. Moore
  • Patent number: 7590471
    Abstract: The present invention features an intelligent sprinkler irrigation system for delivering fluid to an arbitrarily-shaped area in a precise manner. In general, the system comprises (a) a fluid source comprising a pressurized fluid; (b) at least one programmable sprinkler head fluidly connected to the fluid source; and (c) a computer system configured to control the sprinkler head to precisely deliver fluid according to a pre-determined sprinkler function. The computer system comprises a teach mode, wherein a plurality of drive parameters are learned and recorded. These drive parameters function to dictate the specific vector positioning of the sprinkler head during execution of the sprinkler component. The teach mode is further configured to learn and record a plurality of flow parameters, which function to control the fluid delivery component of the sprinkler head (e.g., the valve or nozzle), and more particularly, the manner in which the fluid is delivered or emitted from this component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2009
    Assignee: Sterling Investments LC
    Inventors: Stephen C. Jacobsen, Fraser M. Smith
  • Publication number: 20090113619
    Abstract: A dual spout-type faucet with controllable conventional-flow and mister-flow rates is provided. In a first mode, one or more mister elements, or apertures having mister-like openings, are co-located proximate to a spout outlet, wherein water flow rates to the mister elements (or openings) and spout outlet are both controllable by one or more valve controllers accessible to a user. In a second mode, one or more mister elements, or apertures having mister-like openings, are co-axially located in a spout outlet wherein water flow rates to the mister elements (or openings) and spout outlet are both controllable by one or more valve controllers accessible to a user. In another embodiment the apparatus may be handheld and positionable and equipped to dispense soap or a cleaning solution optionally including attachable scrubbers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2008
    Publication date: May 7, 2009
    Inventors: Clyde L. Tichenor, Darrell Jay Metcalf
  • Publication number: 20090064874
    Abstract: A food holding cabinet that has a plurality of food warming cavities. An ultrasonic misting device is disposed to provide mist to humidify at least one of the food warming cavities. The misting device comprises a well that holds water and a plurality of ultrasonic transducers. A controller actuates the ultrasonic transducers to produce a mist that is conveyed to the food warming cavity by a mist duct and a mist dispenser that distributes the mist evenly in the food warming cavity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2008
    Publication date: March 12, 2009
    Inventor: Ming Sun Chew
  • Patent number: 7481377
    Abstract: A method for cleaning a pool surface is carried out by structure having a protruding nozzle assembly mounted in a side wall of a swimming pool in communication with a source of water for ejecting through a nozzle of a nozzle housing a stream of water at a predetermined angle relative to the adjacent side wall surface. During each erection and retraction of the nozzle housing precipitated by initiation and cessation of water flow to the nozzle assembly, the nozzle housing rotates incrementally to provide a plurality of streams of water defining a fan-like area from each nozzle as such nozzle comes into fluid communication with an opening in a cover enclosing the nozzle housing. Each nozzle is canted to a different angle above the adjacent pool surface to assist in cleaning sloping parts of the side wall/bottom surface junction and to assist in cleaning any adjacent structures extending from the side wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2009
    Assignee: Paramount Leisure Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: John M. Goettl, Richard D. Conn
  • Patent number: 7445164
    Abstract: A sprinkler includes a fixed unit, a rotary unit, an impeller, a connector, and a spray head. The fixed unit has a water inlet. The rotary unit is mounted rotatably on and is fluidly communicated with the fixed unit. The impeller rotates the rotary unit and is adapted to be driven by water from the water inlet. The connector is mounted on and is fluidly communicated with the rotary unit. The spray head is mounted on and is fluidly communicated with the connector. The spray head is rotatable relative to the rotary unit so as to change an inclined position of the spray head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2008
    Inventor: Maw-Shinn Liaw
  • Publication number: 20080257975
    Abstract: A paint system includes at least one modular paint delivery system module, each module having a shipping container configured for transport via a transport infrastructure, and at least one paint delivery system preassembled into an operational paint circulation unit and configured to be shipped and operated within the shipping container. A method for deploying a system includes building at least one modular paint delivery system module at a building site, each module having a shipping container configured for transport via a transport infrastructure, and at least one paint delivery system preassembled into an operational paint circulation unit and configured to be shipped to and operated within the shipping container at an installation site, transporting the module to the installation site location from the building site via the transport infrastructure, and connecting at least one resource connection and at least one distribution piping to the module at the installation site location.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2008
    Publication date: October 23, 2008
    Applicant: Complete Automation, Inc
    Inventor: Kenneth MATHEIS
  • Patent number: 7438277
    Abstract: The present invention features a sleeve valve comprising an elongate body having an outer surface and including a lumen for receiving a fluid and an associated fluid pressure therein and for defining a flow path of the fluid; at least one fluid flow port formed through the outer surface that is in fluid connection with the lumen; and a sleeve slidably disposed about the outer surface of the body and configured to displace across the fluid flow port to precisely regulate fluid emission through the fluid flow port. The sleeve and elongate body are operably related in a manner so as to provide some degree of fluid force compensation, such that the forces necessary to displace the sleeve across the fluid flow port are substantially unaffected by the fluid pressures acting within the body and at the fluid flow port. In other words, the fluid pressures do not substantially contribute to the resistance in the sleeve during actuation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Assignee: Raytheon Sarcos, LLC
    Inventors: Stephen C. Jacobsen, Shane Olsen, Michael Morrison
  • Patent number: 7334743
    Abstract: A fog generating system (20) includes a fluid feed conduit (22) and extension tube assemblies (26) spaced along the conduit (22). The assemblies (26) include nozzle fittings (40) coupled to extension tubes (32). Misting nozzles (44) are releasably engaged with the nozzle fittings (40), and are recessed within the nozzle fittings (40). Installation entails arranging the system (20) on an interior side of an installation form (90), and securing the nozzle fittings (40) using fitting plugs (50) so that an open ends (60) of the nozzle fittings (40) abut the form (90). The fitting plugs (50) further form a fluid resistant seal for maintaining the assemblies (26) under fluid pressure during installation. The system (20) is embedded in a concrete material (124) for the structure (120). Following removal of the installation form (90) and the fitting plugs (50), the misting nozzles (44) are installed within the nozzle fittings (40).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Fogco Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary F. Wintering, Jeffrey D. Beeman, Alan M. Whitaker, Steve B. Kizziar
  • Patent number: 7334744
    Abstract: A water-misting assembly includes a reservoir that has sides defining a chamber with a drain port positioned along a bottom edge thereof and a drain plug insertable therein. A lid coupled to a reservoir top end and wheels are connected to a distal end of the sides. A mechanism is included for extracting water from the chamber. The water-extracting mechanism is detachable from the reservoir. Flexible conduits are connected to the drain port in fluid communication with the chamber. A mechanism is included for supporting one conduit against an elevated support structure. The conduit supporting mechanism includes clips that have a cylindrical bottom portion provided with an open face for clamping onto the one conduit. Each clip includes a top portion that has a vertical hook facing away from the bottom portion open face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Inventor: Gentry Dawson
  • Patent number: 7303146
    Abstract: A length adjustable conduit has a hollow tubular body and a hollow tubular shaft coaxially disposed in fluid tight communication with the hollow tubular body. The conduit further includes an adjustment mechanism for adjusting the combined length of the tubular body and tubular shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2007
    Inventor: Douglas Swingley
  • Publication number: 20070267516
    Abstract: An irrigation sprinkler spray nozzle is provided that includes a first deflector surface defining a first configuration to project a fluid spray having a first distribution pattern, and a second deflector surface defining a second configuration to project a second fluid spray having a second, different distribution pattern. To select the fluid spray, the nozzle further includes a selector having a first position to select the first deflector surface and a second position to select the second deflector surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2006
    Publication date: November 22, 2007
    Inventors: Raymond P. Feith, Kenneth D. Siegel
  • Patent number: 7296758
    Abstract: An automatic lift faucet includes a hydraulic cylinder vertically mounted under a working top, the hydraulic cylinder having an inlet. A lifting faucet is mounted in motion fitting connection within the hydraulic cylinder and includes an inlet and a faucet outlet. A lifting piston is attached to the lifting faucet for controlling fluid communication between the hydraulic cylinder and the lifting faucet inlet. An accumulator cylinder is mounted to the bottom end of the lifting faucet and includes a baffle-plate, a valve stern and left and right tow pistons to thereby divide the accumulator cylinder into three sub-chambers. The accumulator cylinder also includes three through-holes, one of each communicating with one of each of the three sub-chambers. A pressure release valve selectively controls fluid communication to the through-holes and to the hydraulic cylinder inlet via first and second branch pipes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2007
    Inventor: Huasong Zhou
  • Patent number: 7261245
    Abstract: Adaptive irrigation of vegetation is achieved with a probe implanted into the soil for detecting rootage wetness needs by measuring soil impedance with contacts distributed along the probe. When a dryness threshold indicating rootage needs is met at a depth ZBEGIN previously entered into a control logic coupled to the probe, then irrigation is started. Irrigation is stopped when a wetness front is detected at depth Zend(i) automatically provided by the control logic. The depth of arrest of the drainage front Zfinal(i) descending below the depth Zend(i) is compared with a depth ZFINAL, also previously entered into the control logic. The depth Zend(i) is adapted at each irrigation cycle i for the drainage front to stop at the depth ZFINAL. The probe may be used to determine the depth ZBEGIN where resistance drops are detected first, by measuring resistance over time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2007
    Assignee: C.I.T. Controlled Irrigation Technologies Ltd.
    Inventor: Benjamin Zur
  • Patent number: 7226003
    Abstract: A flow shut off or throttling valve is provided in a sprinkler nozzle housing to enable a nozzle to be changed without having to turn off a flow pressure source. The valve intersects a flow path through the nozzle housing and has an opening such that when the opening is aligned with the flow path, a flow stream can flow unobstructed through the flow path. The valve is movable between a fully open position in which the opening is aligned with the flow path and a closed position which blocks the flow stream from flowing to a nozzle disposed at an outlet passage of the flow path. The valve may be constructed to be either slidable or rotatable between the two positions, and is actuated by a gearing arrangement which is operable at the exterior of the nozzle housing. The external valve actuator may function as a physical barrier to retain the removable nozzle in the nozzle housing when the valve is open and to disengage the nozzle when the valve is closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2007
    Inventors: Carl Kah, Jr., Carl Kah, III
  • Patent number: 7191958
    Abstract: A revolving lawn sprinkler comprises a rotary guide plate by which the water flow is so controlled as to actuate a lobed wheel, which in turn actuates a rotary disk via a transmission mechanism. A nozzle is mounted on the rotary disk and is provided with a movable joint. The rotary guide plate is forced to change its revolving direction at such time when a projection of the rotary disk comes in contact with a locating block of a top cover of a housing of the lawn sprinkler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Inventor: Hsin-Fa Wang
  • Patent number: 7182275
    Abstract: A sprinkler structure comprises a support unit, a spray unit, and at least one fastening unit. A water pipe of the spray unit is uprightly supported by the support unit along with the fastening unit comprising a tubular seat, a press block, and a control lever. The tubular seat is provided with a center through hole to accommodate the water pipe, and a through slot in which the press block is pivoted. The control lever is provided at a pivoting end with an eccentric press surface and is fastened pivotally with two pivoting lugs of the tubular seat such that the eccentric press surface pushes the press block to arrest the water pipe at the time when the control lever is swiveled in one direction. The press block releases the water pipe at the time when the control lever is swiveled in other direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Inventor: Hsin-Fa Wang
  • Patent number: 7156322
    Abstract: An irrigation sprinkler unit includes a tubular housing enclosing a speed reducing drive which is driven by a water actuated turbine wheel and rotates a rotary nozzle head at a substantially slower speed. The drive also rotates a tubular valve member within an annular valve body within the housing, and the valve member and valve body have cooperating radial ports which automatically and continuously vary the flow rate of water through the housing for continuously varying the radial distance of a water stream discharged from the nozzle head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Inventor: Charles J. Heitzman
  • Patent number: 7121478
    Abstract: A side ingress water supply conduit arrangement for use with a height adjustable riser for a sprinkler head that reduces labor required for installation of the water supply conduit. The housing of a height adjustable riser is modified to include an integrally molded conduit, which delivers pressurized water to the bottom of an adjustable riser housing by introducing the water supply to the housing via the side of the housing. This allows the conduit to be located closer to the surface of the ground by installing conduits in a shallow burial location slightly below the top of the riser housing. Therefore, less earth removal and replacement is required, which reduces the labor necessary to install a sprinkler system. Another embodiment creates a modified conduit or tube shape, such as a “J” that works with the individual components of the adjustable riser as disclosed in my U.S. Pat. No. 6,629,648.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2006
    Inventor: Steve Jones
  • Patent number: 7121477
    Abstract: This above ground sprinkler system for a water supply provides a main supply hose having an inlet connected to the water supply and an outlet. A main valve is disposed between bib end of the hose and the water supply. A central station including a water supply inlet is connected to the main supply hose outlet and a plurality of hose outlets, each having an associated flow control valve, supplies water to sprinklers, or similar devices at the outer end of hoses which are connected at their inner ends to the outlets. A control system for directing the water supply to the individual hose outlets is provided including a timer. A relief valve is provided for draining water from the main supply hose and a backflow preventor valve is provided for preventing back-siphonage into the water supply. A pressure actuated warning alert system is provided to indicated venting failure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2006
    Inventor: Michael A. Noelke
  • Patent number: 7090146
    Abstract: An above-ground sprinkler may have a head that rotates about an angle determined by the relative angles between a pair of arc adjustment rings. Rotation of the head may be driven by a drive mechanism with a rotor rotationally driven by fluid flowing to the head. The drive mechanism may have a valve disposable in two positions to control flow to the rotor to determine the direction in which the rotor rotates. A reduction gear drive may transmit torque from the rotor to the head to cause the head to rotate. The head may have a cover with an outlet aperture and a flow control member that rotates within the cover to dispose any of a plurality of nozzles in alignment with the outlet aperture. A deflection screw or a slider with a plurality of deflectors may be used to provide variable deflection of water sprayed from the outlet aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2006
    Assignee: Orbit Irrigation Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Kent C. Ericksen, Alan John Smith
  • Patent number: 7059539
    Abstract: A telescoping waterway for adjusting the height of a firefighting monitor is disclosed. The telescoping waterway includes a hollow outer tube, a hollow inner tube within the hollow outer tube, and an actuator that moves the hollow inner tube relative to the hollow outer tube, wherein the hollow inner tube can be maintained in at least one intermediate position between a retracted position and a fully extended position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2006
    Assignee: Task Force Tips Inc.
    Inventors: Robert W. Steingass, Stewart G. McMillan, Larry Shepard
  • Patent number: 7048208
    Abstract: A pop-up sprinkler includes a base member positionable above a ground surface and a sprinkler head having a substantially cylindrical conduit provided with a proximal end portion in fluid communication with a water supply source. The sprinkler head further has a distal end portion having a plurality of tapered apertures randomly spaced thereabout for receiving a first array of water. The distal end portion further has a slot formed therein for defining a ledge along a select portion of the conduit. The sprinkler further includes a plurality of diverters slidably positionable within the slot. The plurality of diverters include a plurality of flange portions for stopping the plurality of diverters from being raised beyond a predetermined position. The ledge portion receives the plurality of flange portions so that the plurality of diverters can be effectively supported at non-operating positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Inventors: Cherie Y. Pruitt, Pieter Boutmy
  • Patent number: 7017831
    Abstract: A rotary sprinkler having a rotatable nozzle assembly for watering an arc of ground traversed or swept by the nozzle assembly as the nozzle assembly rotates is disclosed. Oscillating rotation is achieved via a drive train that includes a trip spring that is drivable between first and second positions for reversing the direction of nozzle rotation. The sprinkler also includes: a variable trajectory nozzle; secondary opening adjacent the variable trajectory nozzle; an automatic break up screw configuration; a substantially constant speed turbine assembly; a bypass stator; a reversing cluster gear planetary drive with a uni-directional turbine; an overcenter reversing mechanism; a nozzle base clutch; an adjustable arc mechanism, solid arc limit stops, a snap ring installation method and an adjustable pilot valve which uses visual indicia.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Assignee: The Toro Company
    Inventors: Miguel Santiago, Jeff McKenzie, Peter Janku, Steven C. Renquist, Hyok Lee, Steve K. Kish, James T. Wright, III, Chad McCormick
  • Patent number: 6991181
    Abstract: A soaker/sprinkler hose having a cylindrical cross section with radial discharge orifices circumferentially spaced about the entire perimeter of the conduit along the length thereof for simultaneously directing liquid flow streams downwardly into the ground on one side of the conduit for soaking the ground and upwardly into the air for watering the ground in sprinkling fashion. The hose is formed with a plurality of axially aligned rows of discharge orifices, at circumferentially spaced intervals about the conduit, and is cured in a retractable coiled condition which facilitates random direction of the discharging liquid streams when the hose is extended and which facilitates handling and storage of the hose. A method of making the coiled soaker/sprinkler hose also is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignee: Faip North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Gus Alexander, John Pianetto, Morgan P. McCarthy
  • Patent number: 6959880
    Abstract: A length adjustable conduit has a hollow tubular body and a hollow tubular shaft coaxially disposed in fluid tight communication with the hollow tubular body. The conduit further includes an adjustment mechanism for adjusting the combined length of the tubular body and tubular shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2005
    Assignee: Spears Manufacturing Co.
    Inventor: Douglas Swingley
  • Patent number: 6957782
    Abstract: An exterior portion of the nozzle with a top side viewable from above the turf or ground surface mates with a base portion of the nozzle to define a nozzle orifice and a flow path leading to the nozzle orifice. The base portion has at least one projection that extends through an aperture in the exterior portion and provides an indication that is visible when viewing the top side and that represents a water distribution pattern and/or flow rate of the nozzle orifice. The exterior portion of the nozzle defines an inner arc section of the nozzle orifice and the base portion of the nozzle defines an outer arc section of the nozzle orifice that is radially spaced from the inner arc section. An improved water distribution pattern is achieved without the spikes and voids associated with conventional spray nozzle orifices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2005
    Assignee: Hunter Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael L. Clark, Kenneth C. Roper, Nathan T. Garcia
  • Patent number: 6955304
    Abstract: An anti-icing spray assembly includes a base housing having a generally open top and a cavity. The base housing is adapted to be mounted in a roadway. A spray housing is removably secured to the base housing with at least a portion of the spray housing being disposed in the cavity of the base housing. The spray housing defines an interior chamber and is watertight so as to substantially prevent water from entering the interior chamber. The spray housing includes at least one spray outlet adapted to spray an anti-icing agent onto the roadway. At least one valve assembly is disposed in the interior chamber of the spray housing. The valve assembly is operably connected to the at least one spray outlet. The valve assembly is moveable between a closed position and an open position, wherein the valve assembly is adapted to permit the flow of the anti-icing agent through the at least one spray outlet and onto the roadway when moved to the open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2005
    Assignee: Energy Absorption Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael E. Beach, Jerry R. Waldman
  • Patent number: 6948566
    Abstract: Spraying apparatus, designed especially for fire-fighting purposes, at least one spray head (1) and one holder (2), in which the spray head can be moved between at least two positions, the spray head being in a retracted position when in an inactive state, and when it is in an active state, at least one of the nozzles of the spray head extends beyond edges of the holder. The spray head (1) is in a surface-mounted structural part (7) having at least one spray head holder (2) and a supply (8) for supplying a medium, such as an extinguishing medium, to be sprayed from the spray head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2005
    Assignee: Marioff Corporation Oy
    Inventor: Göran Sundholm
  • Patent number: 6938834
    Abstract: An irrigation system controller communicates with peripheral sensors using control valve wires as the medium over which to send and receive electronic signals. Various types of sensors such as soil moisture, temperature, etc., can be interfaced to this system. A sensor that is near a control valve can be connected to the control valve wires, eliminating the need to run additional sensor wires back to the controller. Installation costs are reduced because of less wire to run.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Inventor: Steven Lee Harris
  • Patent number: 6921029
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing the effective precipitation rate of an irrigation sprinkler during an irrigation cycle without disrupting the supply of pressurized water from the source opening and closing the inlet to the sprinkler riser at timed intervals through the use of a flow stop valve assembly disposed at the base of the riser, and which includes a lost motion piston and cylinder assembly and first and second flow control devices which control the time the flow stop valve is in the open and closed conditions during the irrigation cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2005
    Assignee: Rain Bird Corporation
    Inventor: George H. Lockwood
  • Patent number: 6899285
    Abstract: A protruding nozzle assembly, mounted in a side wall of a swimming pool in communication with a source of water, will eject through a nozzle of a nozzle housing a stream of water at a predetermined angle relative to the adjacent side wall surface. During each erection and retraction of the nozzle housing precipitated by initiation and cessation of water flow to the nozzle assembly, the nozzle housing will rotate incrementally to provide a plurality of streams of water defining a fan-like area from each nozzle as such nozzle comes into fluid communication with an opening in a cover enclosing the nozzle housing. Each nozzle is canted to a different angle above the adjacent surface to assist in cleaning sloping parts of the side wall/bottom surface junction and to assist in cleaning any adjacent structures extending from the side wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Assignee: Paramount Leisure Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: John M. Goettl, Richard D. Conn
  • Patent number: 6874696
    Abstract: The adjustable sprinkler riser includes an outer and an inner telescoping member that telescopically interface with each other. A protrusion is spaced from a proximal end of the outer telescoping member. A first joint member slidably interfaces with the outer telescoping member, and a second joint member slidably interfaces with the inner telescoping member. The second joint member may be selectively secured to the first joint member to restrict movement of the inner telescoping member relative to the outer telescoping member. In such a condition, areas of vulnerability to breakage in the joint members and inner telescoping member are offset from each other to provide greater strength to the adjustable sprinkler riser. In addition, manufacturing the adjustable sprinkler riser is simple because the first and second joint members may be conveniently placed on the telescoping members, and there is no need to form threads or other intricate structures on the telescoping members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2005
    Assignee: Orbit Irrigation Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Kent C. Ericksen, Craig J. Madson
  • Patent number: 6863226
    Abstract: A rotary sprinkler comprises a body and a rotor. The body has an inlet bore, an outlet bore, and an internal cavity therebetween. The inlet bore has an upstream end connectable to a water supply pipe and a downstream end formed as a jet nozzle. The outlet bore has an upstream end with a rim. The rotor has an axially extending shaft with an axial shaft channel and at least one vane with a vane channel extending away from the shaft and having an outlet constituting an outlet of the sprinkler. The shaft channel and the vane channel define a smooth water flow passage having an open cross-section. The shaft is inserted in the outlet bore of the body to enable free rotation of the rotor. The sprinkler further comprises a retaining ring that is assembled to the upstream end of the shaft of the rotor, is disposed in the internal cavity of the sprinkler body, and is adapted to abut the rim of the outlet bore, thereby carrying axial forces applied to the rotor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2005
    Assignee: Netafim (A.C.S.) Ltd.
    Inventor: Erez Zimhoni
  • Publication number: 20040232257
    Abstract: A spray chamber has a spray system and a ventilation system. The spray system includes a compressor and spray jets that are positioned 360° about a user, from head to toe. A pump sends tanning lotion from a container, through a manifold, where it is distributed to the spray jets via conduits. The tanning lotion is dispensed in the form of a mist having particles sufficiently large in size that they rapidly descend to the floor where they are collected for disposal. The mist clears the booth in approximately 30-90 seconds, without the need for an evacuation system such as a fan or filter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2004
    Publication date: November 25, 2004
    Inventor: Ralph Venuto
  • Publication number: 20040217195
    Abstract: A sprinkler head vegetation shield that includes a sloping wall defined by a single-piece curved plate. A lip extends horizontally away from the wall along an upper perimeter thereof for supporting the shield adjacent a sprinkler head without attachment thereto. A notch is located substantially near a lower perimeter of the sloping wall and configured to accommodate movement of the sprinkler head relative to the plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2004
    Publication date: November 4, 2004
    Inventor: Boris Bernards
  • Publication number: 20040195362
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2003
    Publication date: October 7, 2004
    Inventor: Samuel C. Walker
  • Publication number: 20040195358
    Abstract: A rotary sprinkler having a rotatable nozzle assembly for watering an arc of ground traversed or swept by the nozzle assembly as the nozzle assembly rotates is disclosed. Oscillating rotation is achieved via a drive train that includes a trip spring that is drivable between first and second positions for reversing the direction of nozzle rotation. The sprinkler also includes: a variable trajectory nozzle; secondary opening adjacent the variable trajectory nozzle; an automatic break up screw configuration; a substantially constant speed turbine assembly; a bypass stator; a reversing cluster gear planetary drive with a uni-directional turbine; an overcenter reversing mechanism; a nozzle base clutch; an adjustable arc mechanism, solid arc limit stops, a snap ring installation method and an adjustable pilot valve which uses visual indicia.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2004
    Publication date: October 7, 2004
    Applicant: The Toro Company
    Inventors: Miguel Santiago, Jeff McKenzie, Peter Janku, Steven C. Renquist, Hyok Lee, Steve K. Kish, James T. Wright, Chad McCormick
  • Patent number: 6799732
    Abstract: A sprinkler head assembly comprised of a base located at the upper end of a riser tube and which base carries an insert with an opening allowing for distribution of water. In accordance with the present invention, a control valve is located directly at the sprinkler head assembly. The control valve may be located in a stationary or shrub head which would be connected to a base or otherwise to a riser tube. The control valve could be located in a pop-up shaft, pop-up sprinkler head, or in a retrofit coupling or adapter located between a riser tube and sprinkler head. The control valve would rely upon a screw capable of being threadedly moved into a duct generally perpendicular thereto and which would have a diametral size somewhat larger than the duct. Moreover, the screw would be provided with an opening having a diameter approximately equal to that of the duct. The opening would be alignable with the duct in one position and when rotated would completely block the flow in another position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2004
    Inventor: Teodore Sirkin
  • Publication number: 20040164179
    Abstract: A support system for supporting a sprinkler head which is connected to a water supply line by means of a flexible pipe. The support system includes a spacer body having inner and outer portions and is capable of being attached to a sprinkler head. An elongated stake member is carried by the spacer body and extends downwardly from the spacer body to provide lateral support to the spacer body and the sprinkler head when the stake member is inserted into the ground.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2003
    Publication date: August 26, 2004
    Inventor: J. Craig Corbett