With Sprinkler Head Elevating Means Patents (Class 239/203)
  • Patent number: 11730991
    Abstract: Methods and systems for sprinkler system (100) diagnostics are provided. Aspects include increasing, by a controller (115), a fluid pressure in a pipe (14) to a first pressure, wherein the pipe (14) is coupled to at least one sprinkler (40), receiving, from a sensor (50), first sensor data associated with a moving portion (210) of the least one sprinkler (40), wherein the first sensor data includes a first movement distance (250) of the moving portion (210) of the at least one sprinkler (40), and enacting a first action based at least in part on the first movement distance (250) being less than a threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2023
    Assignee: MARIOFF CORPORATION OY
    Inventor: Jarmo Helasuo
  • Patent number: 11484904
    Abstract: A sprinkler head protector is a cylinder with a sleeve-style base having two differently configured caps. The first cap is a flat cap with a center hole. The second cap is a two-part split cap in the overall shape of a donut. A center opening in the first and second cap allows a sprinkler head to smoothly extend through the opening. Should repair or replacement of the sprinkler head be desired, either cap is removed thereby facilitating replacement of the sprinkler head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2022
    Inventor: Stewart G. Sports
  • Patent number: 11478804
    Abstract: A sprinkler assembly including a pressure regulator and a flow stop element combined in a single assembly. In one embodiment, the sprinkler includes a sprinkler body in fluid communication with a water supply to provide water to the sprinkler, a riser movably mounted in the sprinkler body and in fluid communication with the sprinkler body such that the riser rises up and out of the sprinkler body when water is provided to the sprinkler, a nozzle assembly mounted on a top end of the riser and in fluid communication with the riser; and a regulation element mounted in the riser and in contact with a portion of the nozzle assembly. The nozzle assembly holds the regulation member in an open position to allow flow of water to the nozzle assembly and to maintain a substantially constant water pressure in the nozzle assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2022
    Assignee: K-Rain Manufacturing Corp.
    Inventors: Carl L. C. Kah, Jr., Carl L. C. Kah, III, Weiming Feng, Richard Zhang
  • Patent number: 11344905
    Abstract: A sprinkler enclosure device includes a baseplate having a generally hollow cup extending upward therefrom in a perpendicular manner. The cup includes an inside diameter that is suitable for receiving a sprinkler body, and a height that is suitable for receiving at least a portion of the sprinkler body. Each of the baseplate and the cup include centrally located apertures that are aligned linearly. Each of the aligned apertures include dimensions suitable for receiving an irrigation fitting for connecting the sprinkler body positioned within the cup to an irrigation water supply line. A sealing ring is removably positioned along the top end of the cup and includes a central opening having a diameter that is complementary to the outside diameter of the received sprinkler body. The sealing ring preventing dirt from entering the interior space of the cup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2022
    Assignee: Cicada Holdings, LLC
    Inventor: Andrew Wyche McIver
  • Patent number: 9578817
    Abstract: An irrigation sprinkler includes a main valve mounted in the lower end of an outer housing for controlling the flow of water through an inlet of the outer housing. A pilot valve is operatively coupled to the main valve for turning the main valve ON and OFF. A solenoid is operatively coupled to the pilot valve for opening and closing the pilot valve. A service valve is operatively coupled between the main valve and the pilot valve. The service valve is manually actuable from an AUTO state to allow normal operation of the sprinkler and to an OFF state to allow repair or replacement of the pilot valve or solenoid without having to manually shut OFF a supply valve that is coupled to the inlet of the outer housing through a supply pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2017
    Assignee: Hunter Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard M. Dunn, Santo Uccello, Sean A. O'Neill
  • Patent number: 9482496
    Abstract: A system for defending against an intruder includes a building having a wall dividing first and second spaces and a nonlethal device selectively operable through the wall. The nonlethal device includes an enclosure mounted to the wall and having an access door for selectively accessing an interior compartment of the enclosure from the first space, a container of a nonlethal chemical weapon, such as a lachrymatory agent, having an outlet and located within the enclosure, a conduit extending from the container to the second space through the wall and having an inlet in fluid flow communication with the outlet of the container of nonlethal chemical weapon, and a valve operable to selectively release the nonlethal chemical weapon from the container and through the conduit to the second space to form a cloud of the nonlethal chemical weapon within the second space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: Fighting Chance Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: James Anthony Rocchi, Thomas John Stewart
  • Patent number: 9476214
    Abstract: This application describes a device to convert an existing pool skimmer assembly into a pressurizable pool skimmer assembly which allows the existing pool skimmer assembly to act with this existing pool pump in emergency situations, such as assisting firefighters with pool water for extinguishing local wildfires or house fires. This method utilizes a removable plug cap and o-rings to allow the pool pump to draw the pool water from the poolmaid drain using the existing pool skimmer. This device can also be used to drain the pool for cleaning the pool or for winterizing the pool, with out the need for an electrical sump pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Inventors: Mark Parks, Garasich John
  • Patent number: 9446421
    Abstract: An irrigation sprinkler can include a riser and a nozzle turret rotatably mounted at an upper end of the riser. A drive assembly supported in the riser can be coupled to the nozzle turret for rotating the nozzle turret. The drive assembly can have a reversing gear drive, a reversing mechanism, and a manually adjustable arc setting mechanism including a pair of arc tabs. A position of one of the arc tabs is adjustable through the arc setting mechanism to change a size of an angle through which the nozzle turret oscillates back and forth. The manually adjustable arc setting mechanism is further adjustable to allow the nozzle turret to continuously rotate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: Hunter Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald H. Anuskiewicz, Aaron J. Palumbo
  • Patent number: 9169944
    Abstract: An irrigation sprinkler includes a main valve mounted in the lower end of an outer housing for controlling the flow of water through an inlet of the outer housing. A pilot valve is operatively coupled to the main valve for turning the main valve ON and OFF. A solenoid is operatively coupled to the pilot valve for opening and closing the pilot valve. A service valve is operatively coupled between the main valve and the pilot valve. The service valve is manually actuable from an AUTO state to allow normal operation of the sprinkler and to an OFF state to allow repair or replacement of the pilot valve or solenoid without having to manually shut OFF a supply valve that is coupled to the inlet of the outer housing through a supply pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2015
    Assignee: Hunter Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard M. Dunn, Santo Uccello, Sean A. O'Neill
  • Patent number: 9149825
    Abstract: Devices, guards and shields and methods for both protecting sprinkler heads and preventing unwanted vegetation from growing adjacent to the sprinkler heads, which can be applied to most if not all sprinklers on the market. The novel devices, guards and shields can be formed from a two part (upper and bottom part sections) forming a housing with ring shape housing dry and/or liquid herbicides. The ring shape can have a large center hole for allowing the ring shape to be positioned over and about the sprinkler head. The ring shaped housing includes drainage openings through the top and bottom half sections for allowing water from the sprinkler or rain water to pass therethrough and onto a replaceable herbicide which can kill unwanted vegetation such as grass, weeds, roots, trees, from growing adjacent to the sprinkler head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignee: Blakewood Enterprises, LLC
    Inventors: Randy J. Blakeslee, Laura Woodell
  • Patent number: 9010660
    Abstract: A sprinkler head with plural selectable nozzles includes a sprinkler body having inlet and outlet bores aligned along a first axis; a nozzle magazine rotatably supported on the sprinkler body, the nozzle magazine carrying at least two nozzles and provided with at least one shut-off surface portion located between the at least two nozzles. The nozzles are selectively rotatable into an operative position between the inlet and outlet bores, the nozzle magazine being rotatable about a second axis angularly offset from the first axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Nelson Irrigation Corporation
    Inventors: George L. Sesser, Barton R. Nelson
  • Publication number: 20150102126
    Abstract: A long throw Pop-Up Irrigation Nozzle assembly has no oscillating or rotating parts and includes a cylindrical body having a fluid inlet and a sidewall defining at least one fluidic circuit configured to generate a selected spray pattern when irrigation fluid flows through the body. In order to throw long distance, droplet velocity, droplet size and droplet initial aim angle determine the throw to provide a low precipitation rate (“PR”) for fluidic sprays. The nozzle assembly and method of the present invention achieve a PR of 1 in/hr or less and good spray distribution with a scheduling coefficient (“SC”) of about 1.5 without utilizing any moving components to provide a significantly more cost effective nozzle assembly, as compared to prior art rotator nozzles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2014
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Inventors: Gregory Russell, Shridhar Gopalan, Christopher South, Russell Hester, Eric Koehler, Kerrie Allen, Srinivasaiah Sridhara
  • Publication number: 20150090809
    Abstract: A rotary sprinkler in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a riser with a nozzle assembly rotatable mounted thereon. The nozzle assembly includes a pressure regulator and flow control element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2014
    Publication date: April 2, 2015
    Inventor: Carl L.C. Kah, JR.
  • Patent number: 8991725
    Abstract: A pressure regulator in a rotationally driven sprinkler nozzle housing assembly includes pressure regulation of the upstream pressure to the sprinkler discharge nozzle and flow throttling. Full shut-off of the sprinkler assembly is provided, if desired. Throttling and pressure regulation are adjustable from the top of the nozzle housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Inventor: Carl L. C. Kah, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8991730
    Abstract: An irrigation sprinkler and sprinkler nozzle assembly including a self contained pressure regulator and flow control ring, which can be assembled with a desired spray deflector, shrub bubbler or rotating stream distributor on the top of the nozzle assembly. The pressure regulator housing is incorporated into the center of the nozzle assembly and includes a reference pressure chamber connected to atmospheric pressure with a spring bias enclosed to bias a pressure responsive movable member that is connected to an upstream pressure balanced flow throttling valve. A combination deflector pop-up pressure regulating mechanism housed in the filter of the nozzle housing assembly is also shown.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Inventors: Carl L. C. Kah, Jr., Carl L. C. Kah, III, Weiming Feng
  • Patent number: 8955767
    Abstract: An irrigation sprinkler includes a riser and a nozzle turret rotatably mounted at an upper end of the riser. A drive assembly is mounted in the riser and is coupled to the nozzle turret for rotating the nozzle turret. The drive assembly includes a reversing mechanism having a pair of arc tabs. A position of one of the arc tabs is adjustable through an adjustable arc setting mechanism to change a size of an angle through which the nozzle turret oscillates to thereby pre-set an arc of coverage of the sprinkler. The adjustable arc setting mechanism includes a first portion that is manually movable to effectuate a coarse adjustment of the position of the adjustable arc tab and a second portion that is manually movable to effectuate a fine adjustment of the position of the adjustable arc tab.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: Hunter Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael L. Clark, Zachary B. Simmons
  • Patent number: 8955768
    Abstract: A sprinkler can include a turbine, a nozzle, a gear drive and a reversing mechanism. The gear drive and the reversing mechanism rotatably couple the turbine and the nozzle. The gear drive can shift a direction of rotation of an output stage that is coupled to the reversing mechanism. The reversing mechanism can include a shift member coupled with the gear drive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: Hunter Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael L. Clark, Zachary B. Simmons
  • Patent number: 8939384
    Abstract: An irrigation sprinkler includes a riser and a nozzle turret rotatably mounted at an upper end of the riser. A drive assembly is supported in the riser and is coupled to the nozzle turret for rotating the nozzle turret. The drive assembly has a reversing planetary gear drive, a reversing mechanism, and a manually adjustable arc setting mechanism including a pair of arc tabs. A position of one of the arc tabs is adjustable through the arc setting mechanism to change a size of an angle through which the nozzle turret oscillates back and forth. The manually adjustable arc setting mechanism is further adjustable to allow the nozzle turret to continuously rotate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: Hunter Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald H. Anuskiewicz, Aaron J. Palumbo
  • Patent number: 8931571
    Abstract: The present invention is embodied in a sprinkler head adaptor assembly including a sprinkler head adaptor having a generally cylindrical shape and a female threaded interior wall in a central aperture for receiving a male threaded sprinkler head. The sprinkler head adaptor includes an exterior surface that includes an exposed portion. The assembly includes a pipe extension formed from an injection moldable material with a length suitable for spanning a distance from a pipe system to sprinkler location that is formed integrally with the sprinkler head adaptor, wherein the exposed portion of sprinkler head adaptor is sized and shaped for engagement with a wrench. A metal ring maybe formed in the central aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Inventors: Saro Sarkisyan, Armond Sarkisyan
  • Patent number: 8905328
    Abstract: The invention refers to a headlamp cleaning device for motor vehicles comprising an elongate housing (2) formed with an inlet port (3) connectable to a source of pressurized cleaning fluid and a retractable hollow cleaning liquid supply tube (4) slidably arranged within the housing (2) and being biased in the retracted position, at least one spray nozzle (6) provided at the distal end of the cleaning fluid supply tube (4) and a fluid valve (22) at the proximal of the cleaning liquid supply tube (4) allowing ingress of the cleaning fluid into the tube once the fluid pressure exceeds a predetermined amount, the fluid valve being designed as a resilient closure cap which at the same time functions as a piston seal for the cleaning fluid supply tube (4) (FIG. 3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Kautex Textron GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Paul Hartnell
  • Patent number: 8857729
    Abstract: An irrigation sprinkler canister seal comprising a flanged screw having a threaded rod and a circular flange extending perpendicular to the rod. The seal further includes a plug piece having a threaded bore adapted to receive the threaded rod, and further including a continuous frusto-conical surface extending around an elongate axis of the plug piece, the frusto-conical surface being configured to form a circumferentially continuous fluid seal against a cylindrical rim of a cylindrical bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: National Diversified Sales, Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel Nourian
  • Patent number: 8833672
    Abstract: An irrigation sprinkler is provided having a nozzle and a flow control device for reducing fluid flow through the sprinkler when the nozzle is removed, such as might occur due to vandalism. The flow control device is coupled to the nozzle and is moveable between a first irrigating position and a second signaling position. In the first position, the sprinkler discharges fluid for irrigation. In the second position, the sprinkler discharges a reduced amount of fluid and signals that the nozzle has been removed and should be replaced. The flow control device also allows sufficient fluid flow for flushing debris out of the sprinkler when a flush cap is mounted to the sprinkler, instead of the nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Rain Bird Corporation
    Inventors: Kenneth J. Skripkar, Krishnadidya G. Arkalgud, Gregory S. Palumbo
  • Patent number: 8827178
    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: January 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Rain Bird Corporation
    Inventors: T. Lynn Roney, Steven Sharp
  • Patent number: 8777124
    Abstract: A sprinkler includes a turbine, a nozzle, a gear train reduction and a reversing mechanism that rotatably couples the gear train reduction and the nozzle. The gear train reduction includes an input stage and a planetary gear drive output stage that includes a first portion of the reversing mechanism. A second portion of the reversing mechanism is located outside of the gear train reduction. The second portion of the reversing mechanism includes a pair of arc tabs. At least one of the arc tabs is adjustable to establish an arc of coverage of the sprinkler when the water flowing past the turbine causes the gear train reduction and the reversing mechanism to oscillate the nozzle back and forth between a pair of arc stops. The arc stops are defined by the locations of the arc tabs. The input stage of the gear train reduction includes a mechanism that allows manual rotation of the nozzle between the arc stops without having to back drive the gears in the input stage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Hunter Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael L. Clark, Zackary B. Simmons
  • Patent number: 8746591
    Abstract: The present invention includes an improved sprinkler design having a magnetic sensing system for determining the position of the riser nozzle, a waterproofed motor housing and related cables, configurable sprinkler body compartments, and a pilot valve with a check valve assembly, both of which are located within the sprinkler body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: The Toro Company
    Inventors: Leo James Lichte, James Zimmerman, Jeff McKenzie, James T. Wright, III, Peter Janku
  • Patent number: 8636230
    Abstract: An irrigation sprinkler includes a riser and a nozzle mounted at an upper end of the riser for rotation and configured with a high flow rate port and a low flow rate port that can each emit a stream of water from a high flow rate nozzle port and a low flow rate nozzle port. The sprinkler further includes a diverter valve that can intermittently shift the flow of water between the high flow rate port and the low flow rate port as the nozzle rotates. The sprinkler also includes a gear train reduction mounted in the riser and coupled to rotate the nozzle. A turbine is coupled to an input shaft of the gear train reduction and is rotatable by water flowing through the riser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Hunter Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael L. Clark, Donald M. Sheetz, III, LaMonte D. Porter
  • Publication number: 20130334332
    Abstract: A nozzle for an irrigation sprinkler is provided, where the nozzle includes a sealing pad for reducing the distance relative to a seal of an irrigation device when the nozzle is in a retracted position to restrict the entry of grit and other debris into the irrigation device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2012
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Inventors: David Eugene Robertson, Samuel C. Walker
  • Patent number: 8573509
    Abstract: A sprinkler tap connects optionally to either a fitting of underground piping or an existing sprinkler head of an automatic sprinkler system and includes a generally T-shaped body having a fluid flow passage extending between an open bottom end and a first output port at a top end. A second output port communicates with the fluid flow passage between the bottom end and the first output port. The first output port is adapted for receiving either a male or female sprinkler head nozzle or, alternatively, a plug. A quick connect fitting on the second output port allows for easy connection and disconnection of a hose. The opposite end of the hose may be attached to a portable sprinkler device, a hand held spray nozzle or other water dispensing device. The quick connect fitting has an internal stop valve that closes when the hose is disconnected from the device, thereby preventing wasteful discharge of water from the second output port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Inventor: David L. Cole
  • Patent number: 8567696
    Abstract: A unitary nozzle body is provided for use with an irrigation device, such as a pop-up irrigation device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Rain Bird Corporation
    Inventors: Samuel C. Walker, Donald B. Clark, Rowshan Jahan
  • Publication number: 20130168466
    Abstract: A self trimming pop-up sprinkler head that is able to cut/trim vegetation or herbaceous material that is negatively impacting the functionality of said sprinkler head. The self trimming pop-up sprinkler head comprises a main body, a trimming mechanism, and a piston assembly. The main body functions as the enclosure that receives pressurized fluid. The piston assembly functions as the telescoping/extendable component that is activated by the pressurized fluid. The trimming mechanism is the integrated component that is operatively coupled to the piston assembly and the main body. Through the operative coupling of said components, the trimming mechanism is able to cut/sever vegetation as well as herbaceous material through the ascending and descending actions of the pop-sprinkler. The trimming mechanism accomplishes this through the use of a pair of cleaver assemblies containing a scissionable alignment that cuts/severs vegetation or herbaceous material that intersects said alignment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 2, 2013
    Publication date: July 4, 2013
    Inventor: Michael James White
  • Patent number: 8469288
    Abstract: A sprinkler includes a turbine, a nozzle, a planetary gear drive and a reversing mechanism. The planetary gear drive and the reversing mechanism rotatably couple the turbine and the nozzle. The planetary gear drive includes a control shaft that is axially movable to shift a direction of rotation of an output stage that is coupled to the reversing mechanism. The reversing mechanism includes a shift member secured to an upper end of the control shaft. The reversing mechanism further includes a pivotable shift fork with a first cam and a second cam spaced from the first cam. The first cam is configured to engage the shift member and raise the control shaft when the shift fork is pivoted to engage the first cam with the shift member. The second cam is configured to engage the shift member and lower the control shaft when the shift fork is pivoted to engage the second cam with the shift member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Hunter Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael L. Clark, Zachary B. Simmons
  • Patent number: 8444063
    Abstract: The present invention includes an improved sprinkler design having a magnetic sensing system for determining the position of the riser nozzle, a waterproofed motor housing and related cables, configurable sprinkler body compartments, and a pilot valve with a check valve assembly, both of which are located within the sprinkler body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: The Toro Company
    Inventors: Leo James Lichte, James Zimmerman, Jeff McKenzie, James T. Wright, III, Peter Janku
  • Patent number: 8430376
    Abstract: A valve module for removable installation inside the outer case of a sprinkler after removal of a riser with a nozzle turret normally mounted for reciprocation within the case. The module includes an upper valve support housing and a lower support basket removably connected to the valve support housing. A valve member is vertically reciprocable within the valve support housing to engage and disengage a valve seat in the support basket. The support basket is loosely connected to the valve support housing so that the valve seat can reciprocate relative to the valve support housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: Hunter Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Fred M. Danner, Jeff M. Smith, LaMonte D. Porter
  • Patent number: 8430339
    Abstract: An apparatus for lengthening an extendible pipe comprised of first and second pipe portions having an interior includes a cylinder having an end wall and an open end connected to the first pipe portion. A piston is received in slidable and sealable engagement with the cylinder and is connected to the second pipe portion. The piston, cylinder and end wall define a chamber that is physically isolated from the interior of the pipe. Introduction of a control fluid into the chamber displaces the piston relative to the cylinder so as to lengthen the pipe. The apparatus above may be applied to a sprinkler head riser apparatus and buried as part of an in-ground sprinkler system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Inventors: Donald George Stewart, Geordie Wayne Vandekerckhove
  • Patent number: 8408482
    Abstract: A sprinkler pressure regulator module has a compact arrangement with a shiftable member having an upper cavity for receiving water flow debris, and a portion of a bypass valve may reciprocate therein. The module includes a stator plate directing water into a drive mechanism, such as a turbine drive mechanism. The shiftable member receives fluid flow from a radially outboard direction and is sealed with a cup portion receiving the shiftable member to define a cup cavity. A module exterior surface is separated from a sprinkler housing to define a vent cavity. A pressure release vent communicates with the cup cavity, a vent channel between the cup portion and the exterior surface, the vent cavity, and the exterior environment. The vent cavity and cup portion provide receptacles for debris deposit. Ribs around an opening of the vent channel with the vent cavity generally prevent debris from entering the vent channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Rain Bird Corporation
    Inventor: Christian T. Gregory
  • Patent number: 8342426
    Abstract: A method for adjusting telescopic water pipe and its structure comprise assembling an internal pipe and an external pipe to form a first water passage and a second external water passage, and an independent second internal water passage. A water passage control switch is disposed to an end of the external pipe and has a channel seal cap that divided into a first channel and a first through hole to connect the first water passage. A water stop plug ring is fit to the first through hole. A second and third through holes corresponding to a second and third channels can be connected to the second internal water passage. A rotary switch is connected to the channel seal cap. A penetration hole is disposed to a partition attached to the channel seal cap. An interconnection groove and an arc plane are disposed to the partition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Yuan-Mei Corp.
    Inventor: Shun-Nan Lo
  • Patent number: 8328117
    Abstract: A lawn sprinkler providing water distribution over an irregular or unique shaped water receiving area. The apparatus includes a water impeller, a first water regulator, a second water regulator, and a bypass channel. The sprinkler regulates the delivery of water according to the shape of the area to be irrigated, so that water is not wasted on adjacent areas which do not require irrigation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Inventor: Anthony J. Bredberg
  • Patent number: 8282022
    Abstract: A sprinkler nozzle includes a nozzle plate having at least one orifice formed therein. A stream deflector is rotatably mounted adjacent the nozzle plate and has a plurality of flutes formed therein that face the nozzle plate. Each flute has an inner portion that can momentarily align with water flowing through the orifice in the nozzle plate during rotation of the stream deflector relative to the nozzle plate. Water flowing through the orifice will be channeled in a generally radial direction by the flute to form a stream of water that is ejected from the stream deflector. The flutes have a plurality of different tangential trajectories relative to the orifice in the nozzle plate so that in combination the streams of water successively ejected from the stream deflector establish a predetermined shape of coverage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Hunter Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: LaMonte D. Porter
  • Publication number: 20120234940
    Abstract: An irrigation sprinkler includes an outer case and a riser extensible from the outer case by water pressure and normally in a retracted position. A nozzle is rotatably mounted at an upper end of the riser. A turbine is mounted in the riser for rotation by water entering a lower end of the riser. A gear train reduction is mounted in the riser. A gear driven coupling mechanism mounted in the riser couples the gear train reduction and the nozzle. A pressure regulator valve is located inside a nozzle turret of the sprinkler and includes a valve member that is pivotably mounted between the gear train reduction and the nozzle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2011
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Inventors: Michael L. Clark, Daniel E. Hunter
  • Patent number: 8214935
    Abstract: Pop-up fountain embodiments are provided which successfully combine aesthetics, utility and ease of installation and are thus especially suited for installation into spas, hot tubs, pools and the like. Different embodiments include a fountain body and a fountain valve which is slidingly received in the body. The valve terminates in a cap which substantially fills an aperture of the body when the valve is in a quiescent position. Applied water pressure forces the valve into an energized position where the form of the valve directs water laterally in an aesthetically-pleasing pattern. The valve preferably includes a deflector which is arranged below the cap and configured to control and enhance the lateral deflection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: B & S Plastics, Inc.
    Inventor: Raymundo Colin
  • Patent number: 8181889
    Abstract: The invention relates to irrigation by means of sprinklers for agriculture, lawns, golf courses and other applications. More particularly, the invention provides a sprinkler arranged to distribute water evenly over a field area of almost any shape. Preferably the invention relates to a pop-up sprinkler thus, when not in use, i.e., when no water pressure is applied, the entire device is level or below ground surface. The invention comprises: a lower water inlet, an inner member, within an upper housing, suspended on a vertical axis within the lower water inlet. An inner member within the upper housing being free to revolve around a vertical axis and revolvably supporting; at least one nozzle assembly having at least one water inlet and an outlet jet and being supported on a horizontal axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: Accurate Watering Ltd.
    Inventor: Haim Shahak
  • Patent number: 8177148
    Abstract: One embodiment provides an asymmetrical nozzle housing within a nozzle base of a sprinkler which, when rotated, changes its angular orientation relative to the nozzle base. Since the nozzle is disposed within the nozzle housing, it similarly changes angular orientation relative to the nozzle base, thereby modifying the trajectory of ejected water during irrigation. In this respect, a user can change the trajectory of a watering stream by simply rotating the nozzle housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: The Toro Company
    Inventors: Steven C. Renquist, James T. Wright, III, Miguel A. Santiago
  • Patent number: 8136742
    Abstract: The telescoping pop-up sprinkler includes a telescoping piston assembly that allows the piston assembly of the pop-up to extend upwards at a greater height than the length of the pop-up sprinkler body. The telescoping pop-up sprinkler has a main body with a piston assembly that includes two or more pistons that engage internally with one another, with stops provided at one end of each piston to limit the stroke of each piston. Multiple internal seals are provided to prevent the bypassing of water around the outer diameter of each piston.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Inventor: Paul M. Cordua
  • Patent number: 8113963
    Abstract: A water based entertainment device in accordance with an embodiment of the present application is connected to a garden hose to provide smooth walls of water that define an enclosed dry that is substantially free of water spray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: Thought Development Inc
    Inventor: Alan Amron
  • Publication number: 20120024982
    Abstract: A sprinkler includes an outer case having an upper end and a tubular riser telescopically mounted in the outer case for extension and retraction from the upper end of the case. The riser has an upper portion with a plurality of circumferentially spaced apertures sized to allow debris to be carried through the apertures with flowing water. A riser seal is positioned and configured to substantially prevent water from escaping between the riser and the outer case when the riser is extended. A drive assembly is mounted inside the riser and includes a drive shaft that is co-axially mounted at an upper end of the riser and rotates when pressurized water is supplied to the outer case. A cylindrical nozzle housing is co-axially coupled to the drive shaft and is rotatable relative to the riser. The nozzle housing is positioned and configured to define a gap between an outer cylindrical wall of the nozzle housing and a complementary outer cylindrical wall of the tubular riser.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2010
    Publication date: February 2, 2012
    Inventors: Richard M. Dunn, David W. Davidson
  • Patent number: 8011604
    Abstract: A pop-up water jet assembly comprises a housing having a vertical, central axis, an upper end, a top surface, a lower end, an interior and a water inlet adjacent to the lower end communicating with the interior of the housing. A pop-up member having an upper portion, a top surface, a lower portion and an interior in communication with the interior of the housing, is movable relative to the housing between a raised position in which the upper portion of the pop-up member extends from the upper end of the housing and a lowered position in which the top surfaces of the housing and the pop-up member are substantially flush.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: B & S Plastics, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael D. Holtsnider, Francisco Hinojosa, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20110198410
    Abstract: A cylindrical, protective housing and accompanying insertion tool for shielding an in-ground sprinkler head. The cylindrical housing is inserted into the ground surrounding an in-ground sprinkler head, protecting the sprinkler head and subterranean feed lines from damage resulting from yard work or other traffic. The cylindrical housing prevents inadvertently sprinkler head collisions with lawn mowers, wheelbarrows, golf carts, or similarly wheeled vehicles. The insertion tool is a male-fitting press tool that provides vertical loads on the cylindrical housing upper extent to force it into soil surrounding a sprinkler head.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2011
    Publication date: August 18, 2011
    Inventor: Tim Curtis
  • Patent number: 7988071
    Abstract: A lawn sprinkler providing water distribution over an irregular or unique shaped water receiving area. The apparatus includes a water impeller, a first water regulator, a second water regulator, and a bypass channel. The sprinkler regulates the delivery of water according to the shape of the area to be irrigated, so that water is not wasted on adjacent areas which do not require irrigation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Inventor: Anthony J. Bredberg
  • Patent number: 7971804
    Abstract: A channeled shaft check valve assembly includes a conduit with an internal valve seat with a central opening. An actuating member is contained inside the conduit between an outlet fixture and the valve seat. A valve member mounted within the sleeve includes a disc on the opposite side of the valve seat from the outlet end of the conduit and a channeled shaft extending outward from the center of the disc and through the central opening in the internal valve seat. The opposite end of the channeled shaft may also have a disc mounted thereto, allowing for a three position valve. The valve is urged closed under pressure unless an outlet fixture urges the valve open allowing fluid flow along the channeled shaft and through the central opening in the valve seat. In a two disc valve member, the valve may have two closed positions and one open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Inventor: James C. Roberts
  • Publication number: 20110147488
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2009
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Applicant: Rain Bird Corporation
    Inventors: Samuel C. Walker, Donald B. Clark, Rowshan Jahan