Elevating Means Responsive To Flow Of Spray Fluid Patents (Class 239/204)
  • Patent number: 6481644
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device by sprinkler nozzle (1) for use in a sprinkler system. The sprinkler nozzle (1) comprises a sprinkler nozzle housing (2) with a passage (3) therethrough for liquid, and a sprinkler nozzle pin (4, 5) which is disposed in the passage (3) of the sprinkler nozzle housing (2). The purpose of the invention is to provide a sprinkler nozzle which spreads the liquid by a sufficient distance from the outlet of the sprinkler nozzle (1) both in a horizontal and in a vertical direction. This is realized by the sprinkler nozzle pin being constituted by an inner sprinkler nozzle pin part (4) which is fixed to the sprinkler nozzle housing (2), and an outer sprinkler nozzle pin part (5) which is displaceably arranged in the sprinkler nozzle housing (2). Further, the sprinkler nozzle pin parts (4, 5) are arranged coaxially to the passage (3) of the sprinkler nozzle housing (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Inventor: Odd A. Olsen
  • Publication number: 20020166900
    Abstract: A sprinkler head includes a base adapted to be secured to a component supplying water under pressure; an arc adjustment ring rotatably mounted on the base; a nozzle and a stream deflector supported by an elongated stem carried by the base, the nozzle and the stream deflector cooperating to define an adjustable nozzle orifice; a water distribution plate secured to a shaft in the stem and located downstream of the nozzle; the stem and the nozzle axially movable relative to the base; and a drive train operatively connected between the arc adjustment ring and the nozzle to rotate the nozzle relative to the stream deflector to thereby adjust the nozzle orifice between a pair of limit positions. The stem is rotatable within the base upon over-rotation of the arc adjustment ring beyond either of the pair of limit positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2002
    Publication date: November 14, 2002
    Applicant: Nelson Irrigation Corporation
    Inventors: George L. Sesser, Lee A. Perkins, Steven T. McCoon
  • Publication number: 20020117554
    Abstract: A fountain device with a rotating revolver consists of a reservoir, a water supply system, at least one bearing system, and at least one revolver. The water supply system is secured in the reservoir and pumps water to rotate the revolver and to spurt the water from a top of the revolver. The mounted revolver(s) are rotated by hydraulic power, and can selectively rotate the demanded revolver by setting a bifurcating box and the bearing system between a bottom board of the demanded revolver and a revolver below the demanded layer. The structure of this invention enables it to be used indoors, outdoors, or even on a table.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2001
    Publication date: August 29, 2002
    Inventor: Chung-Kuei Lin
  • Publication number: 20020117555
    Abstract: A fountain device with rotating screen consists of a reservoir, a water supply system, a cover, and a top revolver. A bearing is secured in a blade chamber on the cover and can be rotated by hydraulic power to drive the top revolver. The top revolver is pivotally mounted on the bearing and can be changed easily, whereby the rotating screens of the fountain device can be changed easily to provide interest to consumers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2001
    Publication date: August 29, 2002
    Inventor: Chung-Kuei Lin
  • Patent number: 6439476
    Abstract: Novel devices and methods for covering underground sprinkler heads installed on golf courses and other sports fields are described. The invention, in certain aspects, comprises the use of mats for covering a sprinkler head lid and/or the above-ground or ground level portion of the underground casing for housing the sprinkler head assembly. The mats are formed of a shock absorbing material such that when a golf ball, for example, strikes the mat(s), the ball does not rebound away as severely compared to striking the rigid lid and/or above-ground casing portion directly (i.e. without the mat covering). Other embodiments including fabricating the sprinkler head lid and/or above-ground casing portions of the same shock-absorbing material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Inventor: Robert Boggs
  • Patent number: 6390391
    Abstract: A sprinkler apparatus for transferring water from a supply hose to a ground surface. The sprinkler apparatus includes a conical-shaped main body member with a plurality of apertures around the outer surface for watering close to the sprinkler, and a retractable spray nozzle on the top for covering the area surrounding the sprinkler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Inventor: Joyce Ulin
  • Patent number: 6357668
    Abstract: A life extending, pop-up sprinkle comprising a riser pipe, a collar, a pop-up shaft with a threaded head, an o-ring, a weight, and a spray insert. The riser pipe is threaded at both ends. The lower threads are designed to mate with the specially threaded cavity in the sprinkler head body. Threaded onto the upper threads is the collar, which has a opening, having a hexagonal (or other shaped) cross-section, in its upper web. Sliding inside this opening is the cylindrical pop-up shaft which has a mating, outer, hexagonal (or other matching shaped) cross-section. The O-ring is slipped over the lower end of the shaft and a cylindrical (or other shaped) weight is screwed onto the lower end of the shaft. Both the O-ring and the weight are of larger diameters than the shaft so as to preclude leakage. The upper end of the shaft terminates in a cylindrical pop-up head which is also larger in diameter than the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2002
    Inventor: Irving Doshay
  • Patent number: 6336596
    Abstract: A rotary irrigation sprinkler head having a water inlet and a water outlet and a main rotary part. The main rotary part of said sprinkler head is provided with a gear and a plurality of toothed wheels forming a reduction gear, a first low voltage electric motor is provided connected to said reduction gear, the activation of said electric motor would revolve the sprinkler, and a second low voltage electric motor is provided connected to the outlet nozzle of said sprinkler adapted to control the angle of said outlet nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2002
    Assignee: Dan Mamtirim
    Inventors: Oded Katzman, Zohar Katzman
  • Patent number: 6301723
    Abstract: A removable retainer has a plurality of lugs projecting outwardly from its surface for cooperating with a like number of lugs projecting inwardly from the inner surface of a body. The lower surface of the retainer lugs and the tipper surface of the body lugs have non-planar surfaces which cam off of each other when the retainer is inserted into the body. The shock force from a weighted nozzle stem is transmitted through the lug system to the body and a surrounding pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2001
    Assignee: Paramount Leisure Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: John M. Goettl
  • Patent number: 6299075
    Abstract: A flush plug is provided for temporarily sealing an outlet at an upper end of an irrigation sprinkler riser extensible from an outer housing. A cap is configured to substantially cover the outlet of the riser. The cap has an output orifice dimensioned to reduce the flow of water from the riser a sufficient amount so that the riser will move to an elevated position under normal operating pressure. The cap is configured so that it can be temporarily connected to the upper end of the sprinkler riser. A shut-off flap is pivotally connected to the cap for covering and uncovering the output orifice. A lever is connected to the shut-off flap and is configured and located to engage an upper end of the sprinkler housing when the riser moves to a retracted lowered position. This positively moves the shut-off flap so that it covers the output orifice in the cap. When the riser moves to the elevated position the lever is no longer engaged with the upper end of the sprinkler housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2001
    Assignee: Hunter Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Izaak M. Koller
  • Patent number: 6286765
    Abstract: A method and apparatus provides a controlled, continuous up-and-down motion of a pop-up sprinkler head device during an irrigation period to approximate a modified sine wave output from the pop-up sprinkler device assuring uniform coverage of an area to be irrigated without excessive watering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2001
    Assignee: Nibco Inc.
    Inventor: Joe D. Byles
  • Patent number: 6263912
    Abstract: A fluid flow control valve within a pop-up sprinkler arrests fluid flow through a riser of the pop-up sprinkler under abnormal flow conditions, such as when the riser is broken or a sprinkler head is removed from the riser. The riser, which is movable relative to a housing of the pop-up sprinkler, is attached to a sprinkler head which distributes water to the surrounding area. A valve seat device is disposed within the riser. A stopper is positioned within a valve passageway defined by the valve seat device. The stopper selectively engages the valve seat to inhibit water flow through the riser under abnormal flow conditions. A biasing device prevents the stopper from engaging with the valve seat under normal flow conditions. A fluid flow control valve assembly within a swing joint of an irrigation system includes a first within a first elbow fitting and a second valve within a second elbow fitting. The first and second elbow fittings are movable relative to each other and together form the swing joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2001
    Assignee: Whetstone Group International, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph P. Brown, Christopher J. Gyben, Edward M. Norum
  • Patent number: 6263911
    Abstract: A flow control valve arrests fluid flow from a primary line to a branch line when flow into the branch line exceeds a predetermined flow rate. In one embodiment for use with an irrigation system, the valve includes a T-fitting. The fitting defines a primary passage, which communicates with irrigation pipes, and a branch passage, which communicates with a riser and sprinkler assembly. A valve seat is located within a housing that couples with the fitting. The valve seat is located within the T-fitting when the valve is assembled. The location of the valve seat within the fitting allows the valve to function even when the riser and/or a portion of the housing is sheared off. A stopper selectively engages a valve seat to inhibit water flow through the branch passage when the flow rate through the branch passage exceeds the predetermined flow rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2001
    Assignee: Whetstone Group International, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph P. Brown, Christopher J. Gyben, Edward M. Norum
  • Patent number: 6260575
    Abstract: A flow control valve arrests fluid flow from a primary line to a branch line when flow into the branch line exceeds a predetermined flow rate. In one embodiment for use with an irrigation system, the valve includes a T-fitting. The fitting defines a primary passage, which communicates with irrigation pipes, and a branch passage, which communicates with a riser and sprinkler assembly. A valve seat is located within a housing that couples with the fitting. The valve seat is located within the T-fitting when the valve is assembled. The location of the valve seat within the fitting allows the valve to function even when the riser and/or a portion of the housing is sheared off. A stopper selectively engages a valve seat to inhibit water flow through the branch passage when the flow rate through the branch passage exceeds the predetermined flow rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2001
    Assignee: Whetstone Group International, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph P. Brown, Christopher J. Gyben, Edward M. Norum
  • Patent number: 6216963
    Abstract: A telescopic high pressure sprinkler system is provided with a plurality of gaskets forming sliding seals between the piston and the outer conduit. Thus, the volume between the piston and the outer conduit forms a fluid chamber that is compressed as the piston is deployed so as to dampen the acceleration of sprinkler deployment. Furthermore, adjustable bleeder holes are provided to regulate the fluid chamber's compression while the gaskets provide a cushion when the piston comes to a stop. These bleeder holes also allow refilling of the piston fluid chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2001
    Assignee: The Curran Company
    Inventors: Douglas A. Bonfield, Stanley J. Zielinski
  • Patent number: 6199584
    Abstract: A flow control valve arrests fluid flow from a primary line to a branch line when flow into the branch line exceeds a predetermined flow rate. In one embodiment for use with an irrigation system, the valve includes a T-fitting. The fitting defines a primary passage, which communicates with irrigation pipes, and a branch passage, which communicates with a riser and sprinkler assembly. A valve seat is located within a housing that couples with the fitting. The valve seat is located within the T-fitting when the valve is assembled. The location of the valve seat within the fitting allows the valve to function even when the riser and/or a portion of the housing is sheared off. A stopper selectively engages a valve seat to inhibit water flow through the branch passage when the flow rate through the branch passage exceeds the predetermined flow rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2001
    Assignee: Whetstone Group International, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph P. Brown, Christopher J. Gyben, Edward M. Norum, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6193168
    Abstract: A kit for fitting to a sprinkler head that includes a fixed distance spacer. The spacer is designed to fit into the top of the head of an underground water sprinkler system. The second end of the spacer will threadably engage the stem. The spacer will raise the stem above the top of the head, so as to not require digging to get to the base of the head. In this way, when the grass grows or the level of the soil is elevated, one may raise the level of the stem by putting a spacer between the stem and the head, without having to dig.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2001
    Inventor: William L. Bedford
  • Patent number: 6138924
    Abstract: A sprinkler unit of the type that includes an impact drive sprinkler vertically reciprocable inside a subterranean can or case is modified to incorporate a modern pop-up rotor-type sprinkler. The rotor-type sprinkler has a lower retraction spring retainer half-way up its outer riser and a shortened retraction spring. A cylindrical adaptor sleeve surrounds the riser and has its upper end screwed into the upper end cap of the rotor-type sprinkler. The impact drive sprinkler and its attached riser assembly are unscrewed from the subterranean mounting case. Thereafter, a lower male threaded end of the adaptor sleeve is screwed into a female threaded segment at the junction of the lower and upper sections of the cylindrical mounting case. A ring-shaped protective cover plate with a pair of spring retention arms is rotatably mounted to the top end of the rotor-type sprinkler to fill the gap between the sprinkler and the upper curved lip of the cylindrical mounting case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2000
    Assignee: Hunter Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard E. Hunter, Revis R. Hunter
  • Patent number: 6138293
    Abstract: A fitting, in the form of a mounting collar for installation of a water input nozzle, such as a cleaning head in the floor and walls of a swimming pool, is designed to permit the fitting to be rocked from side to side a limited amount relative to the central axis of a water supply pipe in which the fitting is inserted during initial installation. This is done to allow for installation discrepancies where the water supply pipe is not perpendicular to the surface of the pool where the pipe opens into the pool. By allowing this amount of movement in the installation of the mounting collar, the orientation of a pop-up cleaning head, for example, with respect to the pool floor or wall, is ensured to be perpendicular; so that optimum cleaning of the pool surface during subsequent use of the system occurs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2000
    Assignee: Caretaker Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Lester Mathews
  • Patent number: 6000632
    Abstract: A pop-up sprinkler head is provided with a mechanism that shuts off the water when the nozzle portion of the riser is removed for maintenance. A stopper element reciprocally mounted in the riser moves to a shut off position when the nozzle is removed. A valve seat member and a stopper element may be provided to retrofit the riser of an existing sprinkler head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1999
    Inventor: Rodney L. Wallace
  • Patent number: 5996905
    Abstract: A kit for fitting to a sprinkler head that includes a fixed distance spacer. The spacer is designed to fit into the top of the head of an underground water sprinkler system. The second end of the spacer will threadably engage the stem. The spacer will raise the stem above the top of the head, so as to not require digging to get to the base of the head. In this way, when the grass grows or the level of the soil is elevated, one may raise the level of the stem by putting a spacer between the stem and the head, without having to dig.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1999
    Inventor: William L. Bedford
  • Patent number: 5921322
    Abstract: A telescopic high pressure sprinkler system is provided with a plurality of gaskets forming sliding seals between the piston and the outer conduit. Thus, the volume between the piston and the outer conduit forms a fluid chamber that is compressed as the piston is deployed so as to dampen the acceleration of sprinkler deployment. Furthermore, bleeder holes are provided to regulate the fluid chamber's compression while the gaskets provide a cushion when the piston comes to a stop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1999
    Assignee: The Curran Company
    Inventors: Douglas A. Bonfield, Stanley J. Zielinski, Joseph J. Roling
  • Patent number: 5918812
    Abstract: A sprinkler unit with riser damping comprises a tubular housing having an inlet for connecting to a source of water, a tubular riser reciprocally mounted in the tubular housing and moveable from a retracted position within the housing to an extended position from the housing, the riser having an outlet having a nozzle for distributing a stream of water outward from the housing, a passage connecting the inlet to the outlet, a retraction spring normally biasing the riser to the retracted position, and a shock absorbing ring mounted on the riser for damping movement of the riser to the extended position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1999
    Assignee: Hunter Industries Incorporated
    Inventor: Matthew Grant Beutler
  • Patent number: 5875969
    Abstract: A sprinkler has an upwardly facing sprinkler bowl at the top of the sprinkler body in which water can collect during operation of the sprinkler when the riser of the sprinkler is popped up. At least one nozzle on the sprinkler comprises a siphon nozzle that has a siphon tube extending downwardly into the bowl when the riser is popped up and the sprinkler is operating. The siphon effect created in the siphon nozzle siphons water from the bowl and through the tube to eject the water in the bowl along with the main water flow through the nozzle. The siphon tube is flexible to collapse or bend within the bowl when the riser retracts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1999
    Assignee: The Toro Company
    Inventor: Michael J. Grundy
  • Patent number: 5823439
    Abstract: A sprinkler unit comprises a tubular housing having an inlet for connecting to a source of water, a tubular riser telescopically reciprocally mounted in the tubular housing and moveable from a retracted position within the housing to an extended position from the housing, the riser having an outlet having a nozzle for distributing a stream of water outward from the housing, a passage connecting the inlet to the outlet, a retraction spring normally biasing the riser to the retracted position, and a shock absorbing coating on the retracting spring for absorbing the shock of movement of the riser to the extended position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1998
    Assignee: Hunter Industries Incorporated
    Inventors: Richard E. Hunter, Fred M. Danner
  • Patent number: 5803365
    Abstract: This invention relates to pulsating rotating sprinklers which can be used for irrigation and for other applications. Such sprinklers are especially useful when their inlet is connected to an outlet from a pulsating device, which intermittently ejects pulsating fluid jets into the inlet of the sprinklers. A typical such sprinkler consists of a floating cylinder enclosed in a casing. The cylinder, which has a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet, is floating, rotating, and intermittently ejecting pulsating jets of fluid. The combination of such a floating sprinkler and the unique properties of a pulsating device can be also used for operating innovative pulsating pop-up sprinklers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1998
    Inventor: Gideon Ruttenberg
  • Patent number: 5765756
    Abstract: A fluid jetting arrangement for fluid jetting a surface including a body (B) to receive jetting nozzle extenders (NE) which in one embodiment comprise a plurality of jetting nozzle extenders having voids there between providing surfaces for controlling the relative extension of the jetting nozzle extenders for moving a jetting nozzle extender having a jetting nozzle (16) with orifice (O) therein to position the jetting nozzle with the orifice (O) to fluid jet a surface and another embodiment wherein the jetting nozzle extender (NE) is integrally formed and positioned in the body (B) to fluid jet a surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1998
    Assignee: TIW Corporation
    Inventors: Gary D. Jordan, Martin A. Stulberg, Britt O. Braddick
  • Patent number: 5720435
    Abstract: A sprinkler unit comprises a housing having an inlet for connecting to a source of water, a rotating head mounted in an upper end of the housing and including an outlet nozzle for distributing a stream of water outward from the housing, a drive assembly including a turbine and a reduction gear drive train connecting the turbine to the head for rotating the head, the drive train having a gap for intermittently interrupting the drive for causing the head to intermittently pause during rotation thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 24, 1998
    Assignee: Hunter Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard E. Hunter
  • Patent number: 5718381
    Abstract: In a circular sprinkler, as a result of an intermediate gear, the turbine wheel runs muck faster than the jet splitter operating upstream thereof in the flow direction and also constructed as a turbine rotor, so that the sprinkler starts substantially independently of the water flow and an adjusting device can be provided with which it is possible at any time to manually adjust the sector to be watered. A slot-like bottom with an extension of the guide faces connected thereto is used for further increasing efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 17, 1998
    Assignee: Gardena Kress + Kastner GmbH
    Inventors: Johann Katzer, Franz Lopic, Lothar Mitzlaff
  • Patent number: 5716004
    Abstract: An irrigation apparatus (10) includes a conduit housing (14) with at least one elongated, flexible irrigation conduit (12) received in a retracted position therein. A water supply arrangement associated with the conduit housing (14) allows water to be supplied through the housing to a proximal end (20) of each irrigation conduit (12). Also, a conduit deployment arrangement associated with the conduit housing (14) allows the irrigation conduits (12) to extend from the housing to an extended position in response to water supplied to the housing through the water supply arrangement. In the extended position, each irrigation conduit (12) extends over an area to be irrigated, and emitters along the length of each conduit emit water to efficiently irrigate the area under and immediately surrounding the extended conduit. A conduit retracting arrangement (32) retracts the irrigation conduits (12) back to the retracted position once the water pressure is withdrawn from the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 10, 1998
    Assignee: Nibco, Inc.
    Inventor: Joe D. Byles
  • Patent number: 5507436
    Abstract: A device and method, especially adapted for operating sprinklers, shower heads etc. at low flow, converts low continuous liquid flow to a high intermittent and pulsating flow. The liquid is introduced at a controlled low rate of flow, such as by the use of a pressure-compensated dripper in a liquid supply line. The liquid then flows into a chamber which is somewhat expandable in volume. The pressure increases in the chamber while outflow of the liquid is restricted until pressure created by introduction of the liquid is sufficient to eject the fluid intermittently at a higher flow. This is achieved by utilizing a pressure-responsive valve in the liquid exit of the container. The valve has a preset pressure response designed for quick response to create a water hammer effect. The valve has openings which create a pumping effect to admix air or another liquid with the effluent stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 16, 1996
    Inventor: Gideon Ruttenberg
  • Patent number: 5415130
    Abstract: A sprinkler head comprising a strong, rigid body with removable top cap and having a smooth exterior surface absent flanges and sharp corners which might injure a cow. The body bottom includes an opening and threads for attaching a liquid supply pipe. Inside the body is a replaceable protective liner cup containing a rotary drive motor for rotating a movable nozzle having non-extending spray orifices at an upper side end. During operation, the nozzle is moved upward through a close-fit opening in the top cap by liquid pressure. The nozzle is also smooth, and is arranged to be able to be pressed downward during operation to reduce injuries, and to provide a self-cleaning action. The self-cleaning is enhanced by vibrations from the drive motor and the position of the orifices relative the top cap. The drive motor which rotates the nozzle, preferably includes replaceable parts at wear points.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 16, 1995
    Inventor: Alan C. Brackett
  • Patent number: 5390960
    Abstract: A fitting for mating a fluid flow main line, such as a sewage disposal line, with a branch line to a residence, industrial building, or commercial building intended to be serviced. The fitting is mated to a T interposed in the main line which the branch line is intended to intersect. The fitting is, in turn, at its end opposite that by which it is mated to the T, interfitted to the branch line to provide for relative telescoping movement between the fitting and the branch line. Damage to the main line as a result of settling of the earth in which the branch line is buried is protected against.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 21, 1995
    Inventor: Willard R. Blake
  • Patent number: 5335857
    Abstract: A flooding prevention device and a breakage prevention device for use with pressurized fluid systems are disclosed. The flooding prevention device includes a pipe with an interior passageway and a stopper located in the passageway, the stopper being adapted to seal the pipe whenever an accessory attached to the pipe is broken, thereby preventing fluid loss from the pressurized fluid system. The breakage prevention device includes a first pipe and a second pipe slidable within the first pipe, the sliding action accommodating pressure on or movement of components of the fluid system, thereby avoiding component breakage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 9, 1994
    Assignee: Sprinkler Sentry, Inc.
    Inventor: James W. Hagon
  • Patent number: 5251343
    Abstract: A swimming pool pop-up fitting having a pop-up head responsive to the intermittent application of water under pressure to reciprocate between retracted and projected positions for directing a jet of water over the adjacent inner surface of a swimming pool from a nozzle in the head.The pop-up fitting includes a fixed retainer having cams that are engageable by camming pins carried by the nozzle head to incrementally rotate the head during its movement between retracted and projected positions. The pins can be removed and the head constrained against rotation to convert the head from a rotary head to a pop-up head which is rotationally stationary or fixed.The pop-up head includes a stem which mounts the nozzle. The nozzle has diametrically opposed nozzle openings which are selectively alignable with an opening in the stem.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1993
    Assignee: Paramount Leisure Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: John M. Goettl
  • Patent number: 5135170
    Abstract: The cleaning nozzle of the invention is intended to clean the parts to be cleaned by the cleaning water, by feeding cleaning water into the cylinder tube, pushing out the injection nozzle from the mounting surface by the pressure of the cleaning water, and injecting cleaning water while rotating at the same time. Next, when the feed of cleaning water is stopped, the injection nozzle stops injecting cleaning water, and is simultaneously retracted into the housing, thereby closing the mounting part by the poppet valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1992
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Arikawa Seisakusho
    Inventors: Shigeki Takeda, Kazuma Arikawa
  • Patent number: 5083886
    Abstract: The subject invention is a water retrieval system for a field irrigation system and comprises a water source, from which water is drawn for the irrigation process, and an intermediate reservoir in which water is stored, a delivery system to the field to be irrigated, with vertically extendable irrigation sprinklers strategically placed in the fields and a return irrigation system. The vertically extendable irrigation sprinkler members are controlled by remote water pressure flow or other automatically actuated means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 1989
    Date of Patent: January 28, 1992
    Inventor: Robert E. Whitman
  • Patent number: 5070845
    Abstract: A fuel injection nozzle has a tubular body adapted to receive fuel, a tubular seat member mounted to the body, the seat member having an opening for discharging fuel and a valve seat surrounding the opening, a poppet valve member engageable with the valve seat to interrupt fuel flow through the opening, and an extension spring anchored to the body and to the valve member and biasing the valve member to engage the valve seat. The extension spring is a helically coiled spring with each coil lying close to the adjacent coils and with the coils at one end overlying an end of the body to anchor the spring to the body and to cause fuel flowing through the nozzle to pass between the coils of the spring; the spring thereby acts as a filter for fuel to be discharged by the nozzle. The seat member is axially movable relative to the body to adjust the length of the spring and thus the bias on the valve member whereby the desired valve-opening pressure differential may be established.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1989
    Date of Patent: December 10, 1991
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Anatol Avdenko, Richard L. Cooper, Gary J. DeAngelis, Kurt T. Hertzog, Grover W. Preston, Edwin A. Rivera, Jeffrey A. Rock, Roland S. Taylor, Robert A. Zaso
  • Patent number: 4939797
    Abstract: This disclosure relates to apparatus for cleaning swimming pools, incorporating intermittent pop-up jet nozzles, the nozzles being adapted to intermittently rotate and project cleaning jets of water adjacent the inner surface of the pools. Wear and tear on the nozzle housing and related parts is minimized by use of a water delivery assembly in which the stop means for arresting upward movement of the nozzle are located in the lower part of the housing, thus eliminating bending moment of stress force against the housing and related parts. The inclusion of a retainer or cage within the housing provides other improvements in the operation of the water delivery assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 10, 1990
    Assignee: Sally Ghiz
    Inventor: John M. Goettl
  • Patent number: 4850532
    Abstract: A process for sprinkling water onto a lawn, comprising the steps of: (a) providing an in-ground pop-up sprinkler comprised of a cylindrical housing, a motor compartment structure, and rotatable sprinkler head, wherein 1. said cylindrical housing has a sprinkler compartment, a motor compartment, and an inlet communicating with said motor compartment, 2. the bottom end of said cylindrical housing is closed except for said inlet, 3. above the bottom end of said cylindrical housing, the housing forms said motor compartment, 4. above said motor compartment, said housing is radially enlarged to form said sprinkler compartment, 5. said sprinkler head is capable of limited extension and retraction, 6. when retracted, said sprinkler head is enclosed within said sprinkler head compartment formed within said housing, and 7.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 1988
    Date of Patent: July 25, 1989
    Assignee: DonuTrimmer Equipment, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas J. Mackanos
  • Patent number: 4848661
    Abstract: A sprinkler head shutoff valve for use with underground lawn sprinkler systems includes a central housing including a lower water inlet port and an upper water exit port. The lower water entry port may include a threaded male fitting for threadedly engaging a conventional plastic tee or elbow connector of the type often used in underground sprinkling systems. The upper water exit port includes an internally threaded female fitting for engaging a conventional plastic riser tube interconnecting the shutoff valve to a sprinkler head. A spring-biased plunger is disposed within the housing for engaging a gasket encircling the water exit port to seal off the flow of water therethrough. A rod having a length slightly greater than that of the riser tube is inserted within the riser tube and depresses the plunger for allowing water to flow to the sprinkler head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1988
    Date of Patent: July 18, 1989
    Assignee: Stuart & Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: James D. Palmer, Michael W. Stuart
  • Patent number: 4848667
    Abstract: A novel four passage intake nozzle and valve structure is provided for use with a specially designed, novel water deflection member to provide a pop-up water spray nozzle. The novel intake nozzle and valve structure includes a hollow valve plug, having a lower cylindrical portion provided with four specified longitudinally-extending passages, and an upper cylindrical portion provided with four specified, longitudinally-extending passages the upper and lower passages surrounding a central core. The upper passages are connected to associated lower passages through an associated, smaller diameter aperture. Parts in the valve plug, communicate with an associated one of the four lower passages. An apertured disc, is rotatably movably connected to the valve plug, by means of a shaft disposed within the central, hollow core, the apertured disc having ports therein, the leading edges of the ports therein being adapted to index precisely with the leading edges of selected ports of the valve plug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1988
    Date of Patent: July 18, 1989
    Assignee: Raleigh Equities Ltd.
    Inventor: George J. Dyck
  • Patent number: 4834292
    Abstract: A novel four passage intake nozzle and valve structure is provided for use with a specially designed, novel water deflection member to provide a pop-up water spray nozzle. The novel intake nozzle and valve structure includes a frusto-conical plug having an upper chamber and a lower portion provided with four specified longitudinally-extending passages surrounding a central core, each passage leading to an associated individual, unconnected, peripheral, longitudinally-extending passage of a four passage cylindrical conduit. Ports are arranged around the conical face of the frusto-conical plug and at at least two locations along its axial length, to communicate with the four specified passages passages. An apertured frusto-conical sleeve, is rotatably movably connected and is disposed about the frusto-conical valve plug, by means of a shaft disposed within the central, hollow core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 30, 1989
    Assignee: Raleigh Equities Ltd.
    Inventor: George J. Dyck
  • Patent number: 4834290
    Abstract: An improved riser for a pop up sprinkler system wherein the riser is supported by a single flexible diaphragm relative to the supporting housing and an elastic rope acts as the return member for the riser and holds the riser in a vertical position when extended.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 30, 1989
    Inventor: James L. Bailey
  • Patent number: 4792095
    Abstract: An improved nozzle unit for periodically dispensing a fluid. The nozzle unit includes a fluid dispensing component mounted for confined displacement in a housing having first and second stop surfaces. The fluid dispensing component, when subjected to a displacement force produced by fluid flowing into the housing under pressure, moves from a primary stored position against the first stop surface to impact the second stop surface in a deployed position in which fluid flows through the dispensing component. At least one of the dispensing component and the housing is shaped and dimensioned to cause fluid flowing through the housing under pressure to produce fluid flow forces counteracting the displacement force which moves the dispensing component from the stored position to the deployed position. The fluid flow forces counteracting the impact force minimize material fatigue caused by the impact force and extend the operational life of the nozzle unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 1987
    Date of Patent: December 20, 1988
    Inventors: Paul J. Pristo, Joseph H. Fagan
  • Patent number: 4790481
    Abstract: A pop-up irrigation sprinkler which includes a riser which is forced by water pressure up out of a body through a cover attached to the top of the body. The riser is normally held in a retracted position by a coil spring. A nozzle is removably attached to the upper end of the riser. An adjustable screw is threaded into the nozzle to adjust the flow rate of water through the nozzle to control both the flow rate and the radius of the watering pattern. An elongated filter is removably mounted on the inner end of the nozzle, and the filter extends down into the riser. The filter has a head having an orifice therein and which defines a conical seat for the screw. An adapter is interposed between the nozzle and the riser and serves to trap the head of the filter to enable different types of nozzles from different manufacturers to be used in the sprinkler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 1987
    Date of Patent: December 13, 1988
    Assignee: GardenAmerica Corporation
    Inventors: Charles A. Ray, Billy J. Hobbs, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4789101
    Abstract: A water-driven monitor is provided as a stand-by pre-aimed fire fighting device installed at a fixed location for fire protection of a structure or equipment, such as aircraft, in a hanger structure. The monitor is oscillated by providing a diversion of a minor flow of the water or water/foam to be discharged from the monitor, to reciprocate an annular piston in an annular cylinder in up and down directions. A pair of concentric barrel cams having helical cam tracks therein and a cam ring with attached cam rollers interconnect a fixed base assembly containing the piston and cylinder and a water or water/foam discharge assembly, such that linear piston motion includes oscillatory motion which is transferred to the discharge assembly. A four-way spool valve controls fluid flow to opposite sides of a piston head and a toggle action shuttle actuates the valve spool to reverse the piston movement and the direction of discharge tube oscillation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1987
    Date of Patent: December 6, 1988
    Assignee: Spectrum Manufacturing Company, Inc.
    Inventor: D. Dale Kempf
  • Patent number: 4784325
    Abstract: A rotating stream sprinkler is provided with an improved spray head for sweeping one or more outwardly projected water streams through a prescribed arcuate spray path, wherein the spray head is adapted for enhanced self-flushing operation to prevent accumulation of grit and the like which could otherwise impair sprinkler performance. In the preferred form, the spray head is mounted at the upper end of a pop-up stem for movement to an elevated spraying position upon supply of water under pressure to the sprinkler. The water flows to the spray head and normally pressure-loads a plurality of valve balls onto a respective plurality of seats to prevent water flow through the seats to associated nozzle passages. A drive assembly rotates the spray head relative to a nonrotating cam positioned to lift one or more of the valve balls from their respective seats to permit outward discharge of one or more water streams through the nozzle passages, within the limits of the prescribed arcuate path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1987
    Date of Patent: November 15, 1988
    Assignee: Rain Bird Consumer Products Mfg. Corp.
    Inventors: Samuel C. Walker, George H. Lockwood, Kenneth V. McCarthy, Raymond P. Feith
  • Patent number: 4763837
    Abstract: In one aspect a novel valve, when used with water conveying conduits of water supply or of irrigation systems, will purge them of residual water in the conduits, when the water supply is "cut off", but will close the system when the water supply is on (e.g. there is water pressure above a predetermined threshold, or a "head" occurs). When this valve is closed the system then operates, conventionally, and for irrigation systems to eject water from water dispensing nozzles or spray heads located at or in proximity to the ground surface so that irrigation can take place. With this novel valve, the periodic (or annual) need to purge the irrigation system of residual water to clean out contaminants or to prevent winter freeze-up is avoided, since self-purging of the residual water and of any water suspended solids in the network takes place each time the water pressure in the system is reduced to approximately zero (or to below the said predetermined threshold pressure), as on each occurance of water shut off.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1987
    Date of Patent: August 16, 1988
    Inventor: Zvi Livneh
  • Patent number: 4754925
    Abstract: A miniature sprinkler has a fixed, vertically extending nozzle having an inlet and an outlet, the inlet being for communication with a supply pipe. A flow diverter has an axially extending inlet in register with the outlet of the nozzle, the diverter including bearing apparatus for rotatably engaging the nozzle to rotatably mount the diverter at the top of the nozzle. The inlet in the diverter merges into at least one side outlet which extends generally horizontally and from which the water is emitted in the form of a jet, and a drive apparatus is coupled to the diverter in such a position that at least part of the flow from the diverter outlet impinges on the driver apparatus to cause the rotation of the diverter, the drive apparatus including a turbine slideably and rotatably mounted above the diverter for impingement thereon of the flow to cause rapid rotation of the turbine with a sliding motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 1985
    Date of Patent: July 5, 1988
    Inventor: Zvi Rubinstein