Elevating Means Responsive To Flow Of Spray Fluid Patents (Class 239/204)
  • 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
  • Patent number: 8220723
    Abstract: A sprinkler comprises a nozzle, a turbine and a gear train reduction. The gear train reduction has an output stage that is coupled to the nozzle. The turbine is located between the nozzle and the gear train reduction and is coupled to an input stage of the gear train reduction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: Hunter Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael L. Clark
  • 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: 8167221
    Abstract: A sprinkler housing having a side inlet with improved strength and durability is disclosed. The housing includes an inlet opening having a shape configured to position regions of peak stress concentration on the housing side walls, upon the sprinkler housing being filled with a pressurized fluid, circumferentially spaced from the upper and lower central points of the inlet opening to provide a more robust sprinkler housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Rain Bird Corporation
    Inventors: Michael A. McAfee, Noel Perez
  • 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: 8136744
    Abstract: An extendable sprinkler device comprises a base cylinder having a first end fluidly communicable with a second end via a through passageway. A primary extension assembly is coupled within the through passageway of the base cylinder and is positionable between collapsed and extended positions. The primary extension assembly comprises a primary extension cylinder having a first end fluidly communicable with a second end via a through passageway. A stop is coupled to the first end of the primary extension cylinder. An actuator cylinder is coupled within the primary extension cylinder. The actuator cylinder comprises a first end fluidly communicable with a second end via a through passageway. The second end of the actuator cylinder is coupled with the second end of the primary extension cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Inventors: Herb Gerard, William Cole
  • Publication number: 20120043397
    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: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2010
    Publication date: February 23, 2012
    Inventors: Kenneth J. Skripkar, Krishnadidya Arkalgud, Gregory S. Palumbo
  • Patent number: 8083158
    Abstract: A sprinkler comprising a housing fitted with an inlet port connectable to a water supply line and extending into an inlet chamber, a hollow stem member with an inlet end thereof being in flow communication with said inlet chamber and an outlet end thereof being in flow communication with an irrigation head, a diaphragm seal sealingly fixed at peripheral boundaries thereof to the housing and sealingly articulated to the stem member and supporting it at an essentially upright position. The diaphragm is deformable between a first position in which the irrigation head is retracted within the housing and a second position in which the irrigation head projects from the housing. The sprinkler comprising at least one guard portion adapted to prevent insects and undesirable material from entering the sprinkler housing during said second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: Naan-Dan Irrigation Systems (C.S.) Ltd.
    Inventors: Zohar Katzman, Oded Katzman, Micha Ben David, Vitaly Gandin
  • Patent number: 8079531
    Abstract: A sprinkler comprising a housing fitted with an inlet port connectable to a water supply line and extending into an inlet chamber, a hollow stem member with an inlet end thereof being in flow communication with said inlet chamber and an outlet end thereof being in flow communication with an irrigation head, a diaphragm seal sealingly fixed at peripheral boundaries thereof to the housing and sealingly articulated to the stem member and supporting it at an essentially upright position. The diaphragm is deformable between a first position in which the irrigation head is retracted within the housing and a second position in which the irrigation head projects from the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Assignee: Naan-Dan Irrigation Systems (C.S.) Ltd.
    Inventors: Zohar Katzman, Oded Katzman
  • Patent number: 8074897
    Abstract: A variable arc sprinkler may be set to numerous positions along a continuum to adjust the arcuate span of the sprinkler. The sprinkler includes a nozzle body and a valve sleeve that helically engage each other to define an arcuate slot that may be adjusted at the top of the sprinkler to a desired arcuate span. The sprinkler may include a flow rate adjustment device that may be adjusted by actuation or rotation of an outer wall portion of the sprinkler. Rotation of the outer wall portion may cause a throttle control member to move axially to or away from an inlet, or may cause one or more restrictor elements to open or close, to control the flow rate of the sprinkler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: Rain Bird Corporation
    Inventors: Steven Brian Hunnicutt, Samuel C. Walker, Rowshan Jahan
  • 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.
  • 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: 20110147489
    Abstract: A pop-up irrigation device for use in a low pressure irrigation device is described. The device has a housing, a riser partially extensible from the housing and a nozzle body removably attached to an end of the riser in a non-threaded manner, such as using a snap-fit. One, two or more connection tubes or ports may extend laterally from the housing and can each be configured to be connectable to flexible irrigation tubing. An annular cap can be attached to the open end of the housing and may include an annular, radially-inward extending seal. The closed end of the housing may include a depending stake with a plurality of blades to facilitate mounting of the housing relative to the ground.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2009
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Applicant: Rain Bird Corporation
    Inventors: Samuel C. Walker, Donald B. Clark, Rowshan Jahan
  • Publication number: 20110147484
    Abstract: A pop-up irrigation device for use in a low pressure irrigation device is described. The device has a housing, a riser partially extensible from the housing and a nozzle body removably attached to an end of the riser in a non-threaded manner, such as using a snap-fit, or in a threaded manner. One, two or more connection tubes or ports may extend laterally from the housing and can each be configured to be connectable to flexible irrigation tubing. Ribs may extend from the housing to facilitate retention when buried. An annular cap can be attached to the open end of the housing and may include an annular, radially-inward extending seal. The closed end of the housing may include a depending stake with a plurality of blades to facilitate mounting of the housing relative to the ground.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2010
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Applicant: RAIN BIRD CORPORATION
    Inventors: Rowshan Jahan, Donald B. Clark, Samuel C. Walker
  • Patent number: 7946507
    Abstract: The sprinkler head location indicator is a shallow dish adapted for placement on the shaft of a pop-up sprinkler head. The dish is concave upward and has a small pilot hole formed through its center. A plurality of radially extending guidelines is formed on the bottom surface of the dish, the guidelines having hash marks at uniform intervals to form scale markings. The guidelines are severed radially to a uniform length forming flexible segments and the dish is pushed up the shaft to the ground flange of the sprinkler head. The flexible segments bend against the sprinkler head shaft, thereby retaining the dish on the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Inventor: Leo D. Gauthier, III
  • Patent number: 7926746
    Abstract: An irrigation sprinkler is provided with a housing configured for a fluid flow therethrough. A pressure regulating device having a gasket configured to variably move between a first position to a second position is disposed within the housing. The pressure regulating device includes an outlet with a variable opening formed from the cooperation of fluid passages in the gasket with a portion of the valve bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: Rain Bird Corporation
    Inventor: Michael Thomas Melton
  • Patent number: 7900851
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide an irrigation pop-up with a flexible stem which may be a pulsating or conventional (i.e., non-pulsating) irrigation sprayer or sprinkler. The flexible stem enables an extended stem to be bent instead of being severed, as experienced by traditional irrigation systems, if impacted by an outside force. In one embodiment, the flexible stem contains a lower rigid segment and an upper rigid segment, each having a passageway extending from an inlet, through the segment, to an outlet. An elastic hollow member, such as a rubber tube, is coupled to and in fluid communication with the passageways of the lower and upper rigid segments. Therefore, a water flow path extends from the water inlet, through the passageway within the lower rigid segment, through the channel of the elastic hollow member, through the passageway within the upper rigid segment, and out through the nozzle, such as a sprayer or sprinkler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Assignee: Developed Research for Irrigation Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Gideon Ruttenberg
  • Publication number: 20110024522
    Abstract: A nozzle turret for an irrigation sprinkler includes a body having a rotational axis and a nozzle socket extending transverse to the rotational axis. A nozzle is removably received in the socket. A sleeve in the body opens on a top side of the body and defines a bore that communicates with the socket. A nozzle retention screw with a shank having a lower male threaded segment is screwed into the bore of the sleeve from the top side of the body. The shank extends into the socket a sufficient depth to retain the nozzle in the socket. The screw has a head that abuts an upper end of the sleeve when the screw is fully screwed in a downward direction into the sleeve. The screw shank has an upper unthreaded segment with a predetermined longitudinal dimension selected relative to a longitudinal dimension of the bore to enable the screw to be unscrewed in an upward direction from the sleeve despite stripping of a segment of a female threaded portion of the bore.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2009
    Publication date: February 3, 2011
    Inventor: Ronald H. Anuskiewicz
  • Patent number: 7850094
    Abstract: A rotary sprinkler is provided that includes a housing having a riser assembly and a rotatable nozzle turret on an upper end of the riser assembly. The sprinkler includes an arc setting assembly that enables part-circle operation of the turret and a selector assembly that permits selection of either part-circle or full-circle operation of the nozzle turret where the components of the selector assembly are generally separate from the components of the arc setting assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: Rain Bird Corporation
    Inventors: Douglas Scott Richmond, Kevin James Markley, Joe L. Romack, Daniel Roger St. George
  • Publication number: 20100294854
    Abstract: A sprinkler housing having a side inlet with improved strength and durability is disclosed. The housing includes an inlet opening having a shape configured to position regions of peak stress concentration on the housing side walls, upon the sprinkler housing being filled with a pressurized fluid, circumferentially spaced from the upper and lower central points of the inlet opening to provide a more robust sprinkler housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2009
    Publication date: November 25, 2010
    Applicant: RAIN BIRD CORPORATION
    Inventors: Michael A. McAfee, Noel Perez
  • Patent number: 7828230
    Abstract: A sprinkler includes a riser, an impeller mounted in the riser, and a nozzle rotatably mounted at an upper end of the riser. A drive assembly including a reduction gear train couples the impeller and the nozzle. A clutch in the drive assembly includes a clutch member having an axis of rotation that provides a positive drive connection under a normal load and axially displaces and slips under an excessive load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Assignee: Hunter Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald H. Anuskiewicz, Kyle R. Capen
  • Patent number: 7823804
    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: February 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Inventor: Paul M. Cordua
  • Patent number: 7819338
    Abstract: A swimming pool cleaning head. Implementations may include a cleaning head assembly having a housing having a cam assembly with an upper section, a lower section, and a rotatable section disposed between the upper section and the lower section. A stem having an outlet configured to eject a stream of water under water therethrough under water pressure force may also be included, the stem extending through the cam assembly. The stem may also include at least one pin slidably engaged within the cam assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Assignee: Paramount Pool & Spa Systems
    Inventor: John M. Goettl
  • Publication number: 20100170963
    Abstract: A riser seal cartridge for an irrigation sprinkler. The cartridge is formed of a rigid self support shell, and a sealing member formed of a resilient material covering the shell in areas which provide the seal. The sealing member includes a first portion which seals the top end of the sprinkler body, a second portion which seals an outer surface of the riser, a third portion which connects the first and second portions, and a fourth portion extending from the third seal portion which provides a seal for the support shell lower end portion. The first seal portion provides a high pressure seal to prevent leakage when the riser is in a fully extended position; and the second seal portion provides a low pressure seal during pressure build-up as the riser is extending.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2010
    Publication date: July 8, 2010
    Inventor: Carl L.C. Kah, JR.
  • Patent number: 7748646
    Abstract: A sprinkler comprises a nozzle, a turbine and a gear train reduction. The gear train reduction has an output stage that is coupled to the nozzle. The turbine is located between the nozzle and the gear train reduction and is coupled to an input stage of the gear train reduction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Hunter Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael L. Clark
  • Patent number: 7717360
    Abstract: An in-ground sprinkler serviceability apparatus that provides a debris free environment for ease of replacement of an in-ground sprinkler head. The sprinkler serviceability apparatus couples to the threads of a sprinkler pipe, expands to provide a sprinkler head receiving section, a seal against the underside of the sprinkler head, and a tapered upper surface. Any debris would be washed away from the sprinkler head serviceability apparatus tapered upper surface when the sprinklers are on, rain, etc. The seal would ensure against any debris falling into the sprinkler head receiving section. Weep holes can optionally be incorporated into the sides or base of the apparatus. The top can be a single section, fabricated in two sections, or be designed to receive a common clay sprinkler donut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Inventor: Keith S. Kander
  • Publication number: 20100090024
    Abstract: A variable arc sprinkler may be set to numerous positions along a continuum to adjust the arcuate span of the sprinkler. The sprinkler includes a nozzle body and a valve sleeve that helically engage each other to define an arcuate slot that may be adjusted at the top of the sprinkler to a desired arcuate span. The sprinkler may include a flow rate adjustment device that may be adjusted by actuation or rotation of an outer wall portion of the sprinkler. Rotation of the outer wall portion may cause a throttle control member to move axially to or away from an inlet, or may cause one or more restrictor elements to open or close, to control the flow rate of the sprinkler.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2008
    Publication date: April 15, 2010
    Inventors: Steven Brian Hunnicutt, Samuel C. Walker, Rowshan Jahan
  • Publication number: 20100090025
    Abstract: An extendable sprinkler device comprises a base cylinder having a first end fluidly communicable with a second end via a through passageway. A primary extension assembly is coupled within the through passageway of the base cylinder and is positionable between collapsed and extended positions. The primary extension assembly comprises a primary extension cylinder having a first end fluidly communicable with a second end via a through passageway. A stop is coupled to the first end of the primary extension cylinder. An actuator cylinder is coupled within the primary extension cylinder. The actuator cylinder comprises a first end fluidly communicable with a second end via a through passageway. The second end of the actuator cylinder is coupled with the second end of the primary extension cylinder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2008
    Publication date: April 15, 2010
    Inventors: Herb Gerard, William Cole
  • Patent number: 7686236
    Abstract: A sprinkler includes a stationary portion configured for connection to a fluid source and a head with an outlet for emitting fluid. A stem supports the head and is configured for translating along a longitudinal axis and for rotating about the longitudinal axis. At least one retainer is disposed between the stationary portion and the stem. The retainer is configured for permitting the stem to rotate about the longitudinal axis relative to the stationary portion when a rotational force applied to the stem exceeds a predetermined amount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: Rain Bird Corporation
    Inventor: Mona-Lisa Alexander
  • Patent number: 7686235
    Abstract: A check valve assembly has a valve seat for positioning in a passageway between a water supply and an outlet device such as a sprinkler head or a pipe section. A disc valve is located on the water supply side of the valve seat, and a separate actuator is movably mounted on the opposite side of the seat for movement between an operative position extending through the valve seat to hold the valve in the open position, and an inoperative, retracted position. The disc valve is moved by the actuator into the open position when the sprinkler head is located at the outlet. Release or removal of the actuator as a result of removal of the sprinkler head or other outlet device will allow fluid pressure at the fluid supply end of the passageway to urge the valve into the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Inventor: James C. Roberts
  • Patent number: 7621464
    Abstract: A sprinkler having a water-driven drive mechanism or motor for rotating a sprinkler head is disclosed where the drive mechanism converts a constant input rate into a variable rate to reduce tailing from overly-rapid rotation and to promote full develop of water stream discharge profile. The drive mechanism includes continuously engaged members including one or more planet gears each having an offset or eccentrically positioned engagement portion for driving a second gear member. As the planet gear rotates, the movement of the engagement portion has a radial component relative to the second gear, and the rotational velocity of the second gear is related to the radial position of the engagement portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2009
    Assignee: Rain Bird Corporation
    Inventors: Flynt Leroy Smith, Bandar Hussain Alumran, Mary Margaret Boice, Marianne Goble, Daniel S. Gabrys, Suzanne Lee Singer
  • Patent number: 7600699
    Abstract: A top for a pop-up type irrigation sprinkler that utilizes a riser that pops up from a stationary sprinkler body in accordance with an embodiment to the present invention includes a cap which is threadedly attached to the sprinkler body; a co-molded seal positioned in a center of the cap with a riser opening in the center thereof, wherein the seal prevents water from leaking out of the sprinkler between the cap and the sprinkler body and between the seal and the riser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2009
    Assignee: K-Rain Manufacturing Corp.
    Inventors: Carl L. C. Kah, Jr., Richard Zhang
  • Publication number: 20090152377
    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: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2007
    Publication date: June 18, 2009
    Inventor: Haim Shahak
  • Publication number: 20090140074
    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: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2009
    Publication date: June 4, 2009
    Inventor: Paul M. Cordua
  • Patent number: 7530504
    Abstract: A sprinkler includes a riser, an impeller mounted in the riser, and a nozzle rotatably mounted at an upper end of the riser. A drive assembly couples the impeller and the nozzle. A clutch in the drive assembly includes a radially deformable collet that surrounds a drive shaft. A spring urges the collet against the drive shaft and provides a positive drive connection under a normal load and slips under an excessive load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2009
    Assignee: Hunter Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Fred M. Danner, Ronald H. Anuskiewicz
  • Patent number: 7500620
    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: July 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2009
    Inventor: Paul M. Cordua
  • Patent number: 7500619
    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: February 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2009
    Assignee: Rain Bird Corporation
    Inventor: George H. Lockwood
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20080308650
    Abstract: A sprinkler comprises a nozzle, a turbine and a gear train reduction. The gear train reduction has an output stage that is coupled to the nozzle. The turbine is located between the nozzle and the gear train reduction and is coupled to an input stage of the gear train reduction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2007
    Publication date: December 18, 2008
    Inventor: Michael L. Clark
  • Patent number: 7458522
    Abstract: A protective cover is provided for substantially enclosing and protecting a bubbler head of a drinking fountain or the like against contamination when water flow to the bubbler head is turned off. In one preferred form, when the water flow is turned on, the protective cover is hydraulically elevated or pops up to a raised position permitting substantially unimpeded projection of a water stream from the bubbler head for drinking, etc. In an alternative preferred form, the bubbler head is hydraulically elevated or pops to a raised position within a stationary protective cover when the water supply is turned on for substantially unimpeded projection of water stream from the bubbler head through an open flow port formed in the cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2008
    Assignee: Haws Drinking Faucet Company
    Inventor: Sam T. Hong
  • Publication number: 20080185457
    Abstract: An improved irrigation sprinkler nozzle is provided for enhanced short range or close-in distribution of water for irrigating vegetation and the like positioned relatively close to the sprinkler. The improved sprinkler nozzle includes a nozzle passage for outward projection of a water stream, at least a portion of which is defined by a generally vertically oriented, fan-shaped spray pattern. A lower margin of the nozzle passage defining this fan-shaped pattern is lined with a plurality of forwardly extending ramps each formed with a selected width and a different declination angle. A portion of the water discharged through the nozzle passage is forced and guided downwardly along these ramps for enhanced close-in distribution of water near the sprinkler.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2008
    Publication date: August 7, 2008
    Inventors: Christian T. Gregory, John J. Alarcon
  • Patent number: 7404525
    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: October 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    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: 7389942
    Abstract: A pop-up bubbler assembly for drinking fountains or other appliances that includes a head with a dispensing spout that rises upward out of a housing to dispense an arc of clean water when activated. The bubbler head then drops back down into the housing after water flow stops such that the dispensing spout is covered when not in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Inventors: Patrick Kenyon, Tu Hung-Chieh
  • Patent number: 7360718
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a sprinkler body having a side inlet and improved strength and durability. The side inlet is reinforced with additional structure at a cylindrical wall defining the side inlet. The structure may include a reinforcement rib located within the sprinkler body and intersecting the side inlet. The structure may include a plate located within the cylindrical wall, and the plate may include a collar and/or a crosspiece spanning the side inlet. The structure permits passage of water therethrough and serves to reinforce localized weakened portions or stress concentrators of the side inlet or the sprinkler body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2008
    Assignee: Rain Bird Corporation
    Inventors: Jonathan Yeh, Bob Patterson
  • Publication number: 20080023574
    Abstract: An adjustable friction grip sprinkler riser includes a body defining a chamber, at least one port for introducing water into the chamber and a riser tube axially slidable relative to the chamber with an upper end thereof being adapted to carry a sprinkler head. The riser tube passes through a member for frictionally gripping an exterior surface thereof to frictionally lock the riser tube at any position of selective adjustment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2007
    Publication date: January 31, 2008
    Inventor: Robert Gregory Smith
  • Patent number: 7322533
    Abstract: A sprinkler includes a riser having an inlet end and an outlet end. A nozzle is rotatably supported at the outlet end of the riser and has a plurality of circumferentially spaced, radially extending stream forming slots. An orifice member is removably mounted adjacent the outlet end of the riser and has an orifice shaped to deliver water flowing through the riser into the stream forming slots in a manner that produces a predetermined water distribution pattern. A rotatably adjustable deflector ring is configured and mounted for intercepting streams of water ejected from the stream forming slots to vary a reach thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Inventor: Glendale Grizzle
  • Patent number: RE40562
    Abstract: A retracting telescoping automatic fire sprinkler is disclosed. In a dry system, the sprinkler extends to its operating position under system pressure that is applied in response to a preaction signal. When system pressure is removed, as in after a test is completed, the sprinkler automatically retracts to its original position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2008
    Inventors: Theodore P. Naugler, Eric P. Stucker, Robert C. Naugler, C. Daniel Swift