L.r. Nelson Corporation

Kenneth J Bruninga

Douglas C Fletcher

Ronald G Hayes

Thomas R Kruer

Gary Redhead

The present device relates to an apparatus and method for automatically sequencing the flow of fluid between one fluid source and at least two fluid chambers in response to an interruption of fluid flow or pressure. Particularly, the device relates to irrigation. In its preferred embodiment, the apparatus is a sequencing valve that includes a two-sided flapper valve that is controlled by a spring and piston mechanism in order to direct fluid flow between chambers. In an alternate embodiment, the device includes a mechanism that also allows manual sequencing of fluid flow.

Sequencing valve

An adjustable part circle sprinkler assembly including a sprinkler body structure and a sprinkler head structure mounted thereon for rotational movement in either direction about an upright axis. An interior water flow path from an inlet in the body to a stream discharging outlet in the head includes nozzles directing streams onto a reversible flow directing mechanism for driving an impeller selectively in either direction. The impeller is connected with the head to rotate the same by a gear driven speed reducer and a slip clutch. A part circle pattern control assembly is mounted in an open top of the head closed by a conveniently removable anti-vandal cap structure. The pattern control assembly cooperates with a lever and resilient post reversing mechanism for the reversible flow directing mechanism. Manual movements of the head are accommodated by the slip clutch which protects the gear driven speed reducer. The control assembly serves to automatically return the head to operation within the selected pattern when moved manually therefrom.

Adjustable part circle sprinkler assembly

Apparatus for connection with a sill cock for communicating water under pressure from the sill cock with a hose having a lawn sprinkler communicating therewith comprising a water control unit having a female coupler for connection with the sill cock, a male coupler for connection with the hose, a valve between the couplers and a battery operated valve mechanism operable in response to the connection of the electric current thereto for effecting movement of the valve from a closed position into an opened position, and a manually portable programming unit containing a battery operated programming keyboard, a battery operated display, and batteries operatively connected therewith. An extension cord accessory is provided which renders the portable unit operable to operate the water control unit either in its operative position or when the portable unit is disposed in a remote position. When the portable unit is provided with a modified keyboard permitting programming of three separate water cycles, the apparatus forms part of a whole lawn watering system which includes a stepping valve unit operable as each watering cycle occurs to connect the outlet of the water control unit to a different sprinkler.

Electronic water sprinkler timer

Water timer

Timer-controlled valve for a lawn sprinkler

Lawn sprinkler controller-timer with cover

Timer for a lawn sprinkler controller

Apparatus for connection with a sill cock for communicating water under pressure from the sill cock with a hose having a lawn sprinkler communicating therewith comprising a water control unit having a female coupler for connection with the sill cock, a male coupler for connection with the hose, a valve between the couplers and a battery operated valve mechanism operable in response to the connection of the electric current thereto for effecting movement of the valve from a closed position into an opened position, and a manually portable programming unit containing a battery operated programming keyboard, a battery operated display, and batteries operatively connected therewith. Plug and socket assemblies serve to mount the portable unit in supported relation on the first unit in an operative position and for disengagement to enable the portable unit to be disposed in a remote position with respect to the fixed first unit such that a user can operate the programming keyboard remote from the first unit allowing for observation of the display at close eye-level proximity both with respect to the selection of future sprinkling time periods and single immediate opening and closing movements of the valve.

A water timer including a housing having an inlet and outlet through which water flows to drive an impeller and speed reducer used to determine the open time of a valve member. The valve member is movable in one direction, corresponding with one direction of axial movement of the timer dial, into a water flow position out of engagement with a valve seat and movable in an opposite direction, corresponding with an opposite direction of axial movement of the dial, into engagement with the valve seat into a water shut-off position. The valve member has a first pressure responsive surface area facing in the opposite direction disposed in communication with water under pressure communicating with the housing inlet and a second pressure responsive surface area facing in the one direction. A controllable water pressure chamber within the timer housing communicates with the second surface area and through a first series of passages with water under pressure communicating with the first surface area when the valve member is in its water shut-off position.

Apparatus for connection with a sill cock for communicating water under pressure from the sill cock with a hose having a lawn sprinkler communicating therewith comprising a water control unit having a female coupler for connection with the sill cock, a male coupler for connection with the hose, a valve between the couplers and a battery operated valve mechanism operable in response to the connection of the electric current thereto for effecting movement of the valve from a closed position into an opened position, and a manually portable programming unit containing a battery operated programming keyboard, a battery operated display, and batteries operatively connected therewith. Plug and socket assemblies serve to mount the portable unit in supported relation on the first unit in an operative position and for disengagement to enable the portable unit to be disposed in a remote position with respect to the fixed first unit such that a user can operate the programming keyboard remote from the first unit allowing for observation of the display at close eye-level proximity. An extension cord accessory is provided which renders the portable unit operable to operate the first unit either in its operative position or when the portable unit is disposed in a remote position. When the portable unit is provided with a modified keyboard permitting programming of three separate water cycles, the apparatus forms part of a whole lawn watering system which includes a steeping valve unit operable as each watering cycle occurs to connect the outlet of the water control unit to a different sprinkler.

Quick disconnect mounted programming means for sprinkler

An improvement in a pop-up sprinkler which comprises the provision of an upwardly facing annular valve seat in the lower portion of the housing assembly above the inlet therein and a valve member on the pop-up sprinkler head assembly in a position to engage the annular valve seat when the sprinkler head assembly is in its retracted storage position. The valve member is mounted on the sprinkler head assembly for biased movement independent of the movement of the sprinkler head assembly and the bias thereof provided by its weight and the return coil spring thereof so that the valve member will be separately moved out of engagement with the annular valve seat to permit passage of water under pressure into the housing assembly in response to the communication of the source of water under pressure with the inlet.

Pop-up sprinkler with independently biased drain valve

A step-by-step rotary sprinkler head having an impact arm with a drive spoon thereon. The drive spoon is preferably of the anti-backsplash type and includes a pull-in reactant surface and a drive-out reactant surface spaced radially and laterally outwardly of the pull-in reactant surface. The pull-in reactant surface has a slot formed in the central portion thereof for enabling a portion of the stream issuing from the sprinkler head outlet to continue its movement into the slot and outwardly therefrom without being deflected onto the drive-out surface when the drive spoon is in stream engagement so that the reactant force established on the drive-out surface is reduced in relation to that which would be established by the deflection of the entire stream thereon.

Sprinkler head with an improved slotted drive spoon

A step-by-step rotary sprinkler having a combined stream coherency diffuser and distance control baffle member formed of sheet metal to include an arm portion disposed generally vertically having an aperture extending horizontally through one end thereof, a baffle portion bent outwardly at generally right angles from the opposite end of the arm portion and a relatively small diffuser portion bent outwardly at right angles from the free edge of the baffle portion and a manual engaging tab also bent outwardly at right angles from the arm portion, and a pivot assembly extending through the aperture to mount the arm portion on the sprinkler body for pivotal movement into any desired position of adjustment within a predetermined range wherein the radially outermost point of the member is disposed radially inwardly of the radially outermost point of the drive spoon, the positions of adjustment within the range including (1) a diffused only position where the diffuser portion extends into the stream when the drive spoon is out of stream engagement dividing the same generally vertically so that the stream is spread horizontally without the same engaging the baffle portion and (2) a diffused and baffled position wherein both the diffuser portion and the baffle portion extend into the stream when the drive spoon is out of stream engagement so that the stream is both spread horizontally and deflected generally downwardly.

Sprinkler head with improved combined stream coherency diffuser and

A sprinkler spray head consisting of three components preferably molded of plastic material, namely, a body member, a cap member and a flow control member. The mounting and sealing of the components is such that several different spray patterns can be obtained by utilizing several different cap member configurations with the same body and flow control members. The operation of the flow control member is such that flow control adjustment can be obtained by a turning movement from a center position in either direction.

Growing community of inventors

Mapleton, IL, United States of America

Kenneth J Bruninga