Spray Fluid Motor Drive Means (not Reaction) Patents (Class 239/237)
  • Patent number: 6945471
    Abstract: A rotary sprinkler having an adjustable arc segment whose angular extent and absolute direction relative to the ground are represented by an arc indicator, which arc indicator may comprise a band whose visible length represents the angular extent and whose position on the sprinkler points to the direction. The sprinkler may have the arc segment adjusted by a movable arc limit stop that is coupled to a toggle member only at drive reversal, and the sprinkler may be converted to full circle operation by raising the arc limit stop relative to a cooperating trip tab. A buckling spring assembly used to shift the drive comprises a compression spring held between two spaced pivot members, and the drive can be built in continuous and intermittent drive versions by replacing a few normal rotary gears with multilated gears. A friction clutch having asymmetric teeth for smooth operation prevents damage to the drive during forced nozzle rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2005
    Assignee: The Toro Company
    Inventors: Jeff R. McKenzie, Peter Janku, Rebecca R. Lichte, Chad P. McCormick
  • Patent number: 6942164
    Abstract: A rotating stream sprinkler of the type having a rotatable deflector with spiral vanes engaged by one or more water jets for imparting a rotary drive torque to the deflector, which converts the jets into a plurality of relatively small outwardly projected water streams swept over the surrounding terrain to irrigate adjacent vegetation. The sprinkler includes a speed governor having a turbine driven orbiter with first and second gears meshed respectively with a stator gear and a driven gear having different numbers of gear teeth, wherein the driven gear is carried by the deflector for rotation therewith. The turbine rotatably drives the orbiter on an eccentric axis, to react against the stator gear and thereby rotatably drive the driven gear and deflector with a substantial speed reduction. The speed governor thus regulates deflector speed for slowly sweeping the projected water streams over the adjacent landscape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2005
    Assignee: Rain Bird Corporation
    Inventor: Samuel C. Walker
  • Patent number: 6910608
    Abstract: An aerosol system for dispensing liquid material. The aerosol system includes an aerosol assembly, a plurality of accessory members, and an accessory storage system. The aerosol assembly contains and dispenses liquid material. The accessory members are used in conjunction with the dispensing of the liquid material. The accessory storage system allows the one accessory members to be removably secured relative to the aerosol assembly using the deliberate application of manual force. Each accessory member operates in a first configuration in which the accessory member is not secured relative to the aerosol assembly and in a second configuration in which the accessory member is secured relative to the aerosol assembly. Optionally, the accessory members may operate in a third configuration in which the accessory member is integrally formed with the accessory storage system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2005
    Assignee: Homax Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Lester Greer, Jr., James A. Tryon
  • Patent number: 6883727
    Abstract: A rotating stream sprinkler of the type having a rotatable vaned deflector for stepwise sweeping of relatively small water streams over surrounding terrain to irrigate adjacent vegetation. The sprinkler includes a turbine driven ball drive rotor having at least one drive ball carried by centrifugal force into repetitious impact engagement with one or more raised anvils on the deflector for incrementally displacing the deflector in a succession of small rotational steps. A speed control brake includes a brake pad interposed between a friction surface on the deflector and a nonrotating brake disk to provide a variable friction force to maintain deflector rotation substantially constant within a range of normal water supply pressures and flow rates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2005
    Assignee: Rain Bird Corporation
    Inventor: Lino De Los Santos
  • Patent number: 6869026
    Abstract: A rotary sprinkler having an adjustable arc segment whose angular extent and absolute direction relative to the ground are represented by an arc indicator, which arc indicator may comprise a band whose visible length represents the angular extent and whose position on the sprinkler points to the direction. The sprinkler may have the arc segment adjusted by a movable arc limit stop that is coupled to a toggle member only at drive reversal, and the sprinkler may be converted to full circle operation by raising the arc limit stop relative to a cooperating trip tab. A buckling spring assembly used to shift the drive comprises a compression spring held between two spaced pivot members, and the drive can be built in continuous and intermittent drive versions by replacing a few normal rotary gears with multilated gears. A friction clutch having asymmetric teeth for smooth operation prevents damage to the drive during forced nozzle rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2005
    Assignee: The Toro Company
    Inventors: Jeff McKenzie, Chad Philip McCormick, Peter Janku
  • Patent number: 6863226
    Abstract: A rotary sprinkler comprises a body and a rotor. The body has an inlet bore, an outlet bore, and an internal cavity therebetween. The inlet bore has an upstream end connectable to a water supply pipe and a downstream end formed as a jet nozzle. The outlet bore has an upstream end with a rim. The rotor has an axially extending shaft with an axial shaft channel and at least one vane with a vane channel extending away from the shaft and having an outlet constituting an outlet of the sprinkler. The shaft channel and the vane channel define a smooth water flow passage having an open cross-section. The shaft is inserted in the outlet bore of the body to enable free rotation of the rotor. The sprinkler further comprises a retaining ring that is assembled to the upstream end of the shaft of the rotor, is disposed in the internal cavity of the sprinkler body, and is adapted to abut the rim of the outlet bore, thereby carrying axial forces applied to the rotor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2005
    Assignee: Netafim (A.C.S.) Ltd.
    Inventor: Erez Zimhoni
  • Patent number: 6827291
    Abstract: A reversible, adjustable arc sprinkler head comprising a sprinkler body incorporating a fixed nozzle; a spray plate mounted on one end of a support cage for rotation with the support cage in one or the other of two opposite directions about a first axis arranged coaxially with a stream emitted from the nozzle, and for back and forth tilting motion about a second axis perpendicular to the first axis, an opposite end of the support cage secured to a sleeve rotatably mounted in the sprinkler body, the spray plate having a pair of substantially parallel grooves for selectively receiving the stream, wherein the direction of rotation of the spray plate about the first axis is determined by the tilting motion of the spray plate about the second axis; and a shift lever formed with an aperture sized to receive the stream, the shift lever mounted at one end on the sleeve for rotation about a third axis parallel to the first axis, the shift lever enabled to shift the stream from one of the pair of grooves to the other o
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Assignee: Nelson Irrigation Corporation
    Inventor: Michael Townsend
  • Patent number: 6814305
    Abstract: A reversible, adjustable arc sprinkler head includes a sprinkler body incorporating a fixed nozzle; a spray plate mounted for rotation in one or the other of two opposite directions about a first axis arranged coaxially with a stream emitted from the nozzle, and for back and forth tilting motion about a second axis perpendicular to the first axis, the spray plate having a pair of substantially parallel grooves for selectively receiving the stream, depending on a direction of tilt of the spray plate; and a shift lever formed with an aperture sized to receive the stream. The shift lever is mounted at one end for rotation about a third axis parallel to the first axis, and is enabled to shift the stream from one of the pair of grooves to the other of the pair of grooves to thereby reverse the direction of rotation of the spray plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Assignee: Nelson Irrigation Corporation
    Inventor: Michael Townsend
  • Patent number: 6796273
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a water director for distributing a surge or flow of water to one or more of a plurality of output ports, which can vary in shape, size, and number, typically for use in marine and fresh water aquariums. Water pumped through a conduit into the hermetically sealed Switching Current Water Director (SCWD), powers an internally mounted gear driven fluid motor, which turns a rotational valve, alternately opening and closing a plurality of water outlet ports. When mounted externally to an aquarium, proper placement of output nozzles, which are connected to a water conduit attached to the various SCWD outlet ports, provides the desired opposing, or switching back and fourth currents. Depending on the inlet and outlet port configuration, the SCWD can be adapted to suit many applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2004
    Inventor: Paul Michael Muscarella
  • Patent number: 6793151
    Abstract: A centrifugal dispensing apparatus with a centrifugal dispensing drum that can be divided into compartments and that has at least one open inner volume for retaining a volume of flowable material, an exit aperture for each open inner volume for allowing flowable material to pass during a rotation of the centrifugal dispensing drum, and a drive shaft. A catch shield or a cam operated plunger arrangement for sealing off the exit aperture in a directionally sensitive manner can be provided. Flowable material can be deposited in lines onto flat surfaces, curved surfaces, and non-flat surfaces that can be rendered flat after the application of flowable material thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2004
    Assignee: R&J Inventions, LLC
    Inventor: Richard W. Kimbrough
  • Patent number: 6783083
    Abstract: A fluid spraying apparatus (10) comprising a generally cylindrical body defining a longitudinal axis, which body comprises: a first fixed part (12) comprising inlet means (16) adapted for connection to a pumped supply of fluid, and turbine means (40, 42, 44) arranged to be driven by said fluid; and a second rotatable part (14) comprising gear means (46-60), and one or more nozzles (82) in fluid communication with the turbine means for outletting the fluid as one or more jets, which nozzles extend radially of the longitudinal axis, which rotatable part is drivable by the turbine means through said gear means such that said nozzles are caused to rotate about said longitudinal axis; characterized in that none of the nozzles extends radially of the longitudinal axis further than the body. The apparatus is adapted to operate at a working pressure of 4-8 bar to provide a flow-rate of 400-700 m3/hr, and is thus suitable for use with low pressure pumps of the kind often found at oil refineries.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2004
    Assignee: Onyx UK Limited
    Inventor: Dennis Barker
  • Publication number: 20040164178
    Abstract: A speed limiting mechanisms for turbine-driven fluid distribution apparatus usable with compressible fluid such as compressed air and incompressible fluid such as water. Dynamic viscous damping of the turbine output power train is used to control the rotational speed of the turbine. This prevents overspeeding when the turbine is air driven, and also when the turbine is water driven, under abnormal conditions such as blockage of a bypass area designed to control the turbine speed by limiting flow to the turbine. The same mechanism can be used to impose a lower rotational speed in the turbine during normal operation in conjunction with a turbine optimized for lower speed operation to reduce the required gear reduction in the power train.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2004
    Publication date: August 26, 2004
    Inventor: Carl L.C. Kah,
  • Publication number: 20040108392
    Abstract: An oscillating sprinkler head transmission for alternately driving an output shaft and sprinkler head nozzle to oscillate it with spring bias being provided to prevent the transmission from being placed in an inoperative position, where the sprinkler head is not oscillated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2003
    Publication date: June 10, 2004
    Inventor: Carl L. C. Kah
  • Patent number: 6736333
    Abstract: The invention provides a rotor nozzle, comprising a casing and a rotor body arranged therein. The rotor body has a flow-through channel and a spherical bearing part in a step bearing surrounding an exit opening of the casing. An end part closes the casing and has several selectively closable passages arranged therein which open from an inlet side into the interior of the casing or into flow channels in the casing leading to additional outlets. The end part widens in steps from the interior to the inlet side, and is inserted into a stepped receiving opening. A seal is provided between the end part and the inner wall of the receiving opening. An outlet for a passage of the end part is arranged in the area of at least one step and a flow channel begins in the casing in the area of this step.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Assignee: Alfred Kaercher GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Juergen Binder, Thomas Hofer
  • Patent number: 6732952
    Abstract: An oscillating nozzle sprinkler for directing an adjustable flow of water therefrom at adjustable desired range and arc of coverage and at a pre-settable precipitation rate. The desired flow rate or precipitation rate for a particular arc of coverage can be selected and the flow will then be automatically varied as the arc of sprinkler oscillation is adjusted to maintain the precipitation rate that was set. The nozzle discharge range is adjustable from the top with integrated flow control to automatically maintain the precipitation rate that was set constant as the range is changed for a smaller area of coverage due to the reduced range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Inventor: Carl L. C. Kah, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6729559
    Abstract: A rotatable aerosol product 10 comprising an aerosol product 11 and a rotatable stand 12 attached to the bottom part of the aerosol product, wherein spray continues during rotation and the rotation frequency is 35 frequencies/minute or lower. A spray hole 13a of a nozzle 13 is positioned eccentrically from the rotation center and rotated by counteraction of spray from the nozzle 13. Rotation frequency is regulated by a friction force between a rotation member 31 and a fixed member 32 or a ball 33.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2004
    Assignee: Daizo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shigekazu Zanma, Masazumi Tanaka
  • Publication number: 20040050958
    Abstract: A rotary sprinkler having an adjustable arc segment whose angular extent and absolute direction relative to the ground are represented by an arc indicator, which arc indicator may comprise a band whose visible length represents the angular extent and whose position on the sprinkler points to the direction. The sprinkler may have the arc segment adjusted by a movable arc limit stop that is coupled to a toggle member only at drive reversal, and the sprinkler may be converted to full circle operation by raising the arc limit stop relative to a cooperating trip tab. A buckling spring assembly used to shift the drive comprises a compression spring held between two spaced pivot members, and the drive can be built in continuous and intermittent drive versions by replacing a few normal rotary gears with multilated gears. A friction clutch having asymmetric teeth for smooth operation prevents damage to the drive during forced nozzle rotation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2003
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Inventors: Jeff McKenzie, Chad Philip McCormick, Peter Janku
  • Patent number: 6705537
    Abstract: An apparatus imparts movement to a fluid dispersing nozzle with a mechanism for converting rotational movement about an axis of rotation into orbital movement about the axis of rotation, and an elongate member is connectable to the mechanism at one end and is connectable to a fluid nozzle at an opposite end from the mechanism. The orbital member provides orbiting movement of the opposite end in response to rotation of the mechanism about the rotational axis, and provides stationary centered positioning of the opposite end in response to a non-rotating mechanism. A speed multiplier transmission or gearbox can be provided between the motor shaft and drive spindle if desired. A separate mixer is positionable within the member and is moveable longitudinally with respect to the member during use. The mixer includes a valve member connected to one end for movement relative to a valve seat defined by an inner surface of the cone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2004
    Assignee: Sealant Equipment & Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: Carl L. Schultz, Scott Taylor
  • Publication number: 20040046047
    Abstract: A reversible, adjustable arc sprinkler head includes a sprinkler body incorporating a fixed nozzle; a spray plate mounted for rotation in one or the other of two opposite directions about a first axis arranged coaxially with a stream emitted from the nozzle, and for back and forth tilting motion about a second axis perpendicular to the first axis, the spray plate having a pair of substantially parallel grooves for selectively receiving the stream, depending on a direction of tilt of the spray plate; and a shift lever formed with an aperture sized to receive the stream. The shift lever is mounted at one end for rotation about a third axis parallel to the first axis, and is enabled to shift the stream from one of the pair of grooves to the other of the pair of grooves to thereby reverse the direction of rotation of the spray plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2002
    Publication date: March 11, 2004
    Inventor: Michael Roy Townsend
  • Patent number: 6676037
    Abstract: A rotary spray nozzle is provided in a housing which has one or more water inlets that direct the incoming water flow in a direction tangential to the inner walls of the housing. This creates a circular or swirling motion of water within the housing which in turn imparts a rotary motion to the nozzle. The liquid or water in the housing exits the housing through the rotating nozzle to thereby provide a rotary spray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2004
    Inventor: Kipley Roydon Marks
  • Patent number: 6629649
    Abstract: An apparatus imparts movement to a fluid dispersing nozzle with a mechanism for converting rotational movement about an axis of rotation into orbital movement about the axis of rotation, and an elongate orbital member is connectable to the mechanism at one end and is connectable to a fluid nozzle at an opposite end from the mechanism. The orbital member provides orbiting movement of the opposite end in response to rotation of the mechanism about the rotational axis, and provides stationary centered positioning of the opposite end in response to a non-rotating mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2003
    Assignee: Sealant Equipment & Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: Carl L. Schultz, Scott Taylor
  • Patent number: 6626376
    Abstract: A spray coating device (14) for coating a pipeline (12) comprises an upper frame (42) having a pair of arms (62, 64) pivotally mounted on opposed sides of the pipeline. Each arm (62, 64) has radially spaced inner and outer guides (86, 88) and a flexible endless drive member (94) is mounted on each arm and extends between the ends of the arm for over 180 degrees. A spray nozzle carriage (124) with a spray nozzle (142) is mounted on each arm (62, 64) for movement along the inner and outer guides (86, 88) of the associated arm between the ends of the arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2003
    Assignee: Airtech Spray Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: James L. Rose
  • Patent number: 6622940
    Abstract: A water sprinkler includes a main body, a primary nozzle, and an auxiliary nozzle. The main body is provided with a water admitting pipe in communication with the primary nozzle by which a portion of the incoming water is distributed to the areas farther from the sprinkler. The auxiliary nozzle is rotatably mounted on the top end of the main body and is provided with an inclined edge forming adjustably a gap in conjunction with an inclined guide edge of a water chamber of the main body. The rest of the incoming water is guided into the water chamber from which the water is distributed via the gap to the areas closer to the sprinkler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2003
    Inventor: Huang-Fu Huang
  • Patent number: 6607147
    Abstract: An actuator assembly for a rotatable sprinkler head includes a base supported for rotation on a stationary platform assembly, a hub mounted for rotation on a shaft supported in the base; a lever arm pivotally mounted at one end to the hub and extending downwardly toward a stop plate assembly on the platform assembly, the lever arm having a free end extending toward the stop plate assembly. The stop plate assembly is configured to define two or more distinct arcuate paths of travel for the lever arm, and the lever arm is adjustable to locate the free end in any of the three arcuate paths of travel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2003
    Assignee: Nelson Irrigation Corporation
    Inventors: Greg Schneider, Chad Leinweber
  • Patent number: 6595440
    Abstract: A handheld water powered spray device is provided that is comprised of a cleaning agent reservoir and a cleaning agent and water mixture control, that is capable of receiving detachable accessories, and that provides a water powered output source to power the detachable accessories in either a rotating or linear motion. The water powered spray device of the present invention also provides user controls for controlling the output power and for spraying water onto an object without powering of the attached accessory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2003
    Inventors: Brian P. Moriarty, Brett J. Carter, Edward A. Uhl
  • Publication number: 20030057296
    Abstract: A water sprinkler comprises a main body, a primary nozzle, and an auxiliary nozzle. The main body is provided with a water admitting pipe in communication with the primary nozzle by which a portion of the incoming water is distributed to the areas farther from the sprinkler. The auxiliary nozzle is rotatably mounted on the top end of the main body and is provided with an inclined edge forming adjustably a gap in conjunction with an inclined guide edge of a water chamber of the main body. The rest of the incoming water is guided into the water chamber from which the water is distributed via the gap to the areas closer to the sprinkler.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2001
    Publication date: March 27, 2003
    Inventor: Huang-Fu Huang
  • Patent number: 6527204
    Abstract: A shower head includes a housing supporting a low speed rotary valve member driven by a high speed rotary turbine to produce a variable flow rate. The turbine also produces pulsations of water streams discharged from the housing and is shifted axially to produce continuous water streams. A manually actuated control valve and passages with pressure responsive flow control washers provide for selecting different ranges of variable flow or for bypassing the variable flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2003
    Inventor: Charles J. Heitzman
  • Patent number: 6494384
    Abstract: A sprinkler head includes a fixed nozzle; and a rotor plate spaced from the nozzle and mounted for rotation about an axis extending through the nozzle, and mounted for tilting movement about a horizontal axis. The rotor plate has adjacent water distribution grooves therein, selectively alignable with the nozzle, the grooves shaped and arranged to cause the rotor plate to rotate in opposite directions. A flow reaction member is secured to the rotor plate. A first flow channel having a first inlet port is arranged to intercept a stream emanating from one of the grooves aligned with the nozzle, and to thereby divert at least a portion of the stream through the flow channel and onto the reaction member to cause the rotor plate to tilt about the horizontal axis and align the other of the grooves with the nozzle, thereby reversing the rotation direction of the rotor plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2002
    Assignee: Nelson Irrigation Corporation
    Inventor: Larry P. Meyer
  • Publication number: 20020153432
    Abstract: A rotary sprinkler having an adjustable arc segment whose angular extent and absolute direction relative to the ground are represented by an arc indicator, which arc indicator may comprise a band whose visible length represents the angular extent and whose position on the sprinkler points to the direction. The sprinkler may have the arc segment adjusted by a movable arc limit stop that is coupled to a toggle member only at drive reversal, and the sprinkler may be converted to full circle operation by raising the arc limit stop relative to a cooperating trip tab. A buckling spring assembly used to shift the drive comprises a compression spring held between two spaced pivot members, and the drive can be built in continuous and intermittent drive versions by replacing a few normal rotary gears with multilated gears. A friction clutch having asymmetric teeth for smooth operation prevents damage to the drive during forced nozzle rotation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2001
    Publication date: October 24, 2002
    Inventors: Jeff R. McKenzie, Peter Janku, Rebecca R. Lichte, Chad P. McCormick
  • 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
  • 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
  • Patent number: 6422480
    Abstract: A nozzle and method for mixing abrasive particles with a stream of water and focusing the mixture of abrasive and water exiting the nozzle to improve the ability of the stream to remove paint and other coatings, rust, and scale and the like from a surface for use in operations such as metal finishing. The nozzle includes a spindle that rotates in a housing, the spindle including a chamber in which water passing through a passage in the spindle is mixed with abrasive particles. The passage through the spindle includes a section that is substantially coincident with the rotational axis of the spindle and a section that is angled relative to the section that is coincident with the rotational axis of the spindle, the mixing chamber being located in the off-axis section of and in fluid communication with the passage through the spindle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2002
    Assignee: Universal Minerals, Inc.
    Inventor: Harry Richmond
  • Patent number: 6390106
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a liquid sprayer. The liquid sprayer has a housing with a hollow inner shell. Within the inner shell are a plurality of transfer pipes, each with a nozzle installed on its lower end, a linking device fixed to the plurality of transfer pipes for moving the transfers pipes so that the nozzles are directed to spray in the same direction, and a driving device for driving the linking device in different directions. Hence, the nozzles are able to spray a workpiece in different directions with time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Assignee: AU Optronics Corp.
    Inventor: Yu-Min Lin
  • Patent number: 6364217
    Abstract: A reversing gear drive system is provided in an irrigation sprinkler for reversibly shifting the direction of rotation of a sprinkler spray head for back and forth part-circle rotation between adjustably set end limits, to sweep an outwardly projected stream of irrigation water through a predetermined arcuate pattern to irrigate a surrounding terrain area and associated vegetation. The reversing gear drive system includes a gear carrier having first and second output gears driven rotatably in opposite directions. A shift mechanism is provided for shifting the gear carrier between forward-drive and reverse-drive positions with the first and second output gears alternately engaged with a ring gear for rotatably driving the spray head in opposite directions. The shift mechanism includes a shift lever and a reverse trip spring for engaging arcuately spaced limit stops mounted for rotation with the spray head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2002
    Assignee: Rain Bird Corporation
    Inventor: George H. Lockwood
  • Patent number: 6260770
    Abstract: A rotary sprinkler comprising a stationary housing, a distribution member rotatable with respect to said housing, a stationary fluid supply member being in flow communication with an inlet port of the housing and with the distribution member, and a sealing assembly, the sealing assembly comprises at least one sealing ring made of an essentially hard, abrasion resistant material, wherein one face of the sealing ring is rotationally fixed with respect to either the distribution member or one of the stationary housing and fluid supply member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2001
    Inventors: Arnon Epstein, Yoel Zur
  • Patent number: 6250566
    Abstract: The device relates to a rotor nozzle, in particular for high-pressure cleaning apparatus, comprising a nozzle housing which has an inlet opening at its one axial end and an outlet opening for liquid at the other end, also with a rotationally driven rotor arranged in a swirl chamber of the nozzle housing inclined relative to the longitudinal axis of the swirl chamber and supported at the inner wall of the swirl chamber, with the rotor having a nozzle region at its end pointing towards the outlet opening and supported in a cup bearing and an inflow opening at the opposite end, wherein a nozzle member and a distributor member are arranged in the nozzle housing and are rotatable relative to one another, with the distributor member having at least one distributor cutout communicating with the inlet opening, via which functional openings formed in the nozzle member can be controlled, with the functional openings respectively communicating with the swirl chamber or with at least one auxiliary outlet of the nozzle ho
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2001
    Inventor: Anton Jäger
  • Patent number: 6241158
    Abstract: A pop-up rotor type irrigation sprinkler has a pivotable butterfly valve body located in its riser just below the nozzle. The valve body is selectively pivotable between fully open and fully closed positions by manually turning a drive member mounted in the upper end of the riser with a hand tool. The drive member is connected to the valve body with a linkage that extends within the riser outside of the water flow path to avoid adversely affecting the water stream ejected from the nozzle. The valve body has an elliptical shape and is curved in section and downwardly concave when in its closed position. Due to its curved shape, the valve body can pivot to its vertical open position in which it rests parallel with the curved cylindrical interior wall of an internal flow tube to minimize flow resistance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2001
    Assignee: Hunter Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Mike Clark, Pine Vu
  • Patent number: 6230984
    Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for the ejection of liquid comprising a plurality of rotor nozzles which are combined into a unit. Each rotor nozzle has a rotor space formed in a nozzle housing and an inlet opening in the region of its one axial end and an outlet opening for the liquid at the other end, as well as a rotationally driven rotor arranged inclined in the rotor space relative to its longitudinal axis and supported at the inner wall of the rotor space. The rotor has a nozzle region supported in a cup bearing at its end pointing towards the outlet opening and an inflow opening at the opposite end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2001
    Inventor: Anton Jager
  • Patent number: 6186414
    Abstract: The present invention provides a spray head assembly with a moving spray nozzle that delivers fluid in a substantially uniform spray distribution. The movement of the spray nozzle is a wobbling motion, preferably combined with some rotational motion. The wobbling motion is generated by disposing a wobble inducing member or wobble turbine in the path of the fluid supply. The water flowing over the wobble turbine causes the turbine to wobble. The wobbling turbine then causes the spray housing and nozzle to wobble. The spray pattern produced by the wobbling spray housing changes more or less rapidly so that fluid droplets or streams are directed along arcuate paths rather than at a single point. This type of spray distribution pattern is gentler than many stationary patterns and the unique design of the wobble inducing member does not include complex mechanical parts or significant flow restrictions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Assignee: Moen Incorporated
    Inventors: Joseph H. Clearman, Jack F. Clearman
  • Patent number: 6186413
    Abstract: An improved inlet control valve is provided for controlling water inflow to an irrigation sprinkler, wherein the inlet control valve exhibits improved tolerance to passage of small grit and debris. The inlet control valve includes a valve member normally engaging a valve seat to prevent water inflow to the irrigation sprinkler, and adapted for movement to a modulated open position to permit water inflow to the sprinkler at a regulated pressure. The valve member carries a flow restrictor disposed upstream from the valve seat to produce, when the valve member is in the open position, a first pressure drop which cooperates with a second pressure drop between the valve seat and valve member to regulate the water inflow pressure. The inclusion of the upstream flow restrictor and the associated first pressure drop effectively reduces the magnitude of the second pressure drop across the valve seat and thereby permits the valve member to open with an increased clearance relative to the valve seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Assignee: Anthony Manufacturing Corp.
    Inventor: Kenneth L. Lawson
  • Patent number: 6164562
    Abstract: A rotary type swingable sprayer comprising a fixing tube head, a rotatable tube head, and a nozzle tube. The rotatable tube head is installed atop the fixing tube head, and the nozzle tube is installed atop the rotatable tube head. The lower end of the fixing tube head is connected with a water tube for guiding water. When water flows through the rotatable tube head, the rotatable tube head will swing nearly a full cycle repeatedly so as to drive the nozzle tube above to swing repeatedly. Thus, water is jetted out from the distal end of the nozzle tube. Therefore, water is sprayed out nearly through a full cycle in the whole area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2000
    Inventor: Chung-Cheng Wu
  • Patent number: 6129293
    Abstract: A rotary nozzle head has a rotor nozzle (50) through which flow can take place, two radially adjustable sheet metal deflector plates (30, 32) and a nozzle bearing (42), the axial position of which is adjustable. An axially adjustable functional element carrier (20) is formed at its downstream end as an actuation housing (22) and has the nozzle bearing (42) at the upstream end thereof. In addition, the functional element carrier (20) supports the sheet metal deflector plates (30, 32).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2000
    Inventor: Anton Jager
  • Patent number: 6092739
    Abstract: The present invention provides a spray head assembly with a moving spray nozzle that delivers fluid in a substantially uniform spray distribution. The movement of the spray nozzle is a wobbling motion, preferably combined with some rotational motion. The wobbling motion is generated by disposing a wobble inducing member or wobble turbine in the path of the fluid supply. The water flowing over the wobble turbine causes the turbine to wobble. The wobbling turbine then causes the spray housing and nozzle to wobble. The spray pattern produced by the wobbling spray housing changes more or less rapidly so that fluid droplets or streams are directed along arcuate paths rather than at a single point. This type of spray distribution pattern is gentler than many stationary patterns and the unique design of the wobble inducing member does not include complex mechanical parts or significant flow restrictions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2000
    Assignee: Moen Incorporated
    Inventors: Joseph H. Clearman, Jack F. Clearman
  • Patent number: 6085995
    Abstract: A rotary drive sprinkler having a multiplicity of nozzles which can be selectively changed at any time. The nozzle assembly has an internal rotor member for bringing one of the nozzles into operation as the internal rotor is turned. A water flow can be directed from a rotor to a selected nozzle in a fixed circumferential row of nozzles to create a nozzle stream leaving the nozzle assembly, or a nozzle stream can be directed from a specific nozzle of a circumferential row of nozzles in an internal rotor to a single passage open to the exterior of the nozzle assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2000
    Inventors: Carl L. C. Kah, Jr., Carl L. C. Kah, III
  • Patent number: 6050502
    Abstract: A pop-up rotary sprinkler with adjustable arc limits has a memory arc mechanism separate from its arc adjustment and head reversing mechanisms for automatically returning the head to oscillation between its pre-set sector limits should its head be twisted or held against normal rotation by a vandal. The sprinkler may optionally include a throttling valve for substantially reducing the flow of water from the nozzle in the head until the head has rotated back within its pre-set arc limits. The amount of water that would otherwise be sprayed onto walkways and highways, for example, is greatly reduced, thereby eliminating safety hazards.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2000
    Assignee: Hunter Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Mike Clark
  • Patent number: 6029906
    Abstract: A rotary nozzle for a high-pressure cleaning apparatus has a housing into which a feed line for a cleaning fluid issues, an outlet provided in the housing for expelling the cleaning fluid, a nozzle body through which the cleaning fluid flows, and a bearing that surrounds the outlet. The nozzle body is disposed in the housing, and is supported at its convex end in the bearing. The bearing is formed directly in an inner wall of the housing as a conically-shaped depression to avoid the need for a separate bearing insert, thereby simplifying the manufacturing process. Additionally, the conical shape of the bearing cooperates with the convex shape of the nozzle body to provide optimal sealing with a reduced contact surface for a long service life. The bearing is disposed concentrically relatively to the outlet. The nozzle body is set by the flow of cleaning fluid through the housing in a revolving movement in which a longitudinal axis of the nozzle body revolves on a generated cone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 29, 2000
    Assignee: Alfred Karcher GmbH & Co.
    Inventors: Juergen Binder, Robert Nathan
  • Patent number: 5984203
    Abstract: A rotary sprinkler including a water discharge assembly having a water discharge outlet for discharging water laterally of the sprinkler, and a connecting passageway fluidly coupling the inlet to the water discharge outlet. The water discharge assembly is rotated by a drive including a rotary turbine in the connecting passageway rotated by the water flow therethrough, and a ball carried by the rotary turbine and movable radially outwardly thereof by centrifugal force during the rotation of the rotary turbine. An abutment is located to be impacted by the ball when in its radial outward position during the rotation of the rotary turbine to thereby rotate the water discharge assembly in a series of stepped increments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Inventor: Peretz Rosenberg
  • Patent number: 5785248
    Abstract: A gear drive assembly for a rotary sprinkler includes a drive housing in which a reduction gear train is enclosed. A turbine located beneath one end of the drive housing rotates the gear train through a turbine shaft that extends into the drive housing. An output shaft extends out of the other end of the drive housing for rotating the nozzle assembly of the rotary sprinkler. The drive assembly includes a relatively large water entry port which is screened by a filter screen having relatively small openings. The water entry port allow enough water to enter the drive housing upon initial pressurization of the sprinkler such that sand particles suspended in the water do not jam the output shaft or the turbine shaft. The openings in the filter screen prevent the entry of particles into the drive housing that would tend to jam or foul the reduction gear train.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1998
    Assignee: The Toro Company
    Inventors: John L. Staylor, Jeff R. McKenzie, Rebecca R. Reade
  • Patent number: 5772117
    Abstract: A water sprinkler comprises a housing, a linking mechanism, a transmission rod, and a spray head. The housing is provided therein with a receiving compartment for housing the linking mechanism which is composed of a pump blade, a link wheel and an actuation wheel. The transmission rod is fastened at one end thereof with the actuation wheel and at another end thereof with the spray head having a plurality of jet nozzles for emitting a stream of water. The transmission rod is driven by the actuation wheel which is actuated by the pump blade. As the pump blade is driven by the incoming water current via an inlet of the housing, the spray head is actuated by the transmission rod to make a 360-degree roation so as to spray water in all directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1998
    Inventor: Yeong Chwan Su
  • Patent number: 5656085
    Abstract: A paint spray apparatus for painting a vehicle in a paint spray booth includes a paint spray arm, a pump, and a motor and transmission adapted to drive the pump. The paint spray arm is disposed within the paint spray booth and has a nozzle disposed at a free end of the paint spray arm. The pump is mounted on said paint spray arm adjacent the nozzle. The motor is disposed remote from the pump outside the paint spray booth. The transmission drives the pump from the motor. In one embodiment, the paint spray arm may move in several planes. The transmission is adapted to allow for movement of the paint spray arm in the plane while the motor drives the pump. In a preferred embodiment, separate motors are provided which actuate the paint spray arm in the planes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 12, 1997
    Assignee: Behr Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas Hezel