Rain Bird Corporation

Steven David Geerligs

Samuel C Walker

Joseph G Porrazzo, Jr

Lee James Shadbolt

Randy Ray Montgomery

Angel Reyes Archundia

Chong Wang Kwak

Michael A Landis

Russell Churchill

Riccardo James Tresso

Michael Joseph Millius

Leo M Pedlow, Jr

Some embodiments provide hydro-power generation systems for irrigation systems. In some embodiments, a system comprises a generator comprising a turbine at least partially inserted into a fluid flow path of a conduit of the irrigation system and to be activated by a fluid flow in the conduit, wherein the generator is to output an electrical power signal; a control circuit to: determine a characteristic of the electrical power signal; determine, based on the characteristic, a load impedance selected from a plurality of load impedances; and output a control signal to select the load impedance. The system also comprises a variable load circuit to: receive the control signal; and provide the load impedance, where an impedance of the variable load circuit is based on the characteristic to provide power generation over various flow rates of fluid in the fluid flow path.

Hydro-power generation for irrigation control

Some embodiments provide an irrigation flow sensor system, comprising: a housing forming a fluid channel to cooperate with conduits of an irrigation system; a paddle wheel device with at least a first blade of a set of the blades comprises a magnetic element; the paddle wheel device is positioned with at least a portion of the blades extends into the fluid channel as the blades rotate about an axis; a magnetic sensor proximate a pathway of the magnetic element as it rotates configured to provide a sensor output every time the magnetic element passes the magnetic sensor; a switch coupled to the magnetic sensor and a current loop, wherein the switch in an activate state is configured to temporarily change the current in the current loop in response to the sensor output, with a rate of change in current corresponding to a flow rate of the fluid flowing.

Irrigation flow sensor systems and methods of detecting irrigation flow

Irrigation nozzles are provided that irrigate a full circle coverage area with different maximum throw radiuses. The nozzle may include two bodies, one nested within the other, that acting together form the full circle coverage area. The two bodies collectively define an annular exit orifice with one of the bodies defining the inner radius and the other body defining the outer radius. A flow restrictable inlet may be used to adjust flow through the nozzle and to adjust the maximum throw radius. The nozzle may also include a flow reduction valve to reduce the throw radius from a maximum distance and may be adjusted by actuation of an outer wall of the nozzle. A deflector for use with an irrigation nozzle is also provided.

Rotary full circle nozzles and deflectors

A deep root watering unit is described herein that includes an elongated hollow sleeve member and a grate-retaining housing mounted at an upper end of the sleeve member. A cap configured as a grate can be attached to the top portion of the housing. The deep root watering unit is advantageously configured to facilitate insertion and removal of the cap, irrigation adjacent to the housing, and/or distribution of fluid to adjacent irrigation devices.

Root watering device

A variable arc sprinkler nozzle is provided for distribution of water through nearly any adjustable arcuate span. The nozzle includes one or more arcuate slots formed by the helical engagement of spiral surfaces of a deflector and a nozzle body. A user may rotate a portion of the nozzle body to select the arcuate span of the one or more slots. A matched precipitation rate feature is adjustable to proportion the amount of water directed to the deflector depending on the extent of the arcuate span. Further, edge fins on the deflector and nozzle body channel water flow at the two edges of the distribution arc to increase the throw radius and to provide fairly uniform water distribution at the edges of the arc.

Growing community of inventors

Vail, AZ, United States of America

Steven David Geerligs