U.S. patent number RE45,263 [Application Number 13/205,591] was granted by the patent office on 2014-12-02 for micro-stream rotator with adjustment of throw radius and flow rate.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Hunter Industries Incorporated. The grantee listed for this patent is George Sesser. Invention is credited to George Sesser.
United States Patent |
RE45,263 |
Sesser |
December 2, 2014 |
**Please see images for:
( Certificate of Correction ) ** |
Micro-stream rotator with adjustment of throw radius and flow
rate
Abstract
A rotating stream sprinkler including a rotor plate supported on
one end of a shaft for rotation, in an operative mode, relative to
the shaft; a nozzle located along the shaft upstream of the rotor
plate; the rotor plate formed with a chamber and one end of the
shaft has a stator fixed thereto within the chamber, the fluid
chamber at least partially filled with a viscous fluid; and wherein
the chamber is at least partially closed at an upper end thereof by
a rotor cap plate; and further wherein an underside of the rotor
cap plate is provided with a first plurality of teeth and an upper
surface of the stator is provided with a second plurality of mating
teeth adapted to engage the first plurality of teeth to enable
rotation of the rotor plate with the shaft in the adjustment mode.
A flow rate adjustment mechanism includes a throttle member
threadably mounted on the shaft for movement relative to the shaft,
toward or away from an annular seat having a discontinuous edge
such that the flow rate cannot be shut off by having the throttle
member engage the seat.
Inventors: |
Sesser; George (Walla Walla,
WA) |
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Sesser; George |
Walla Walla |
WA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Hunter Industries Incorporated
(San Marcos, CA)
|
Family
ID: |
27029805 |
Appl.
No.: |
13/205,591 |
Filed: |
August 8, 2011 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
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11871456 |
Oct 12, 2007 |
Re. 42596 |
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11022428 |
Dec 27, 2004 |
Re. 40440 |
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09433299 |
Nov 3, 1999 |
6244521 |
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Reissue of: |
09532772 |
Mar 22, 2000 |
6499672 |
Dec 31, 2002 |
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Reissue of: |
09532772 |
Mar 22, 2000 |
6499672 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
239/11; 239/514;
239/222.11; 239/484; 239/518; 239/262; 239/443; 239/252; 239/540;
239/232 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B05B
3/0486 (20130101); B05B 3/005 (20130101); B05B
1/3026 (20130101); B05B 1/304 (20130101); G02B
6/3898 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
B05B
17/04 (20060101) |
Field of
Search: |
;239/203-206,252,231-233,262,443,476,484,514,518,222.11,539,540 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Other References
Complaint for Declaratory Judgment of Patent Non-Infringement and
Invalidity; U.S. District Court--Central District of California,
Case No. CV 07-2811 GPS (JTLx); Rain Bird Corporation v. Nelson
Irrigation Corporation; Filed: Apr. 27, 2007. cited by applicant
.
Amended Complaint for Declaratory Judgment of Patent
Non-Infringement and Invalidity; U.S. District Court--Central
District of California, Case No. CV 07-2811 GPS (JTLx); Rain Bird
Corporation v. Nelson Irrigation Corporation; Filed: Jun. 29, 2007.
cited by applicant .
Answer and Counterclaim of Hunter Industries Incorporated and
Demand for Jury Trial; U.S. District Court--Central District of
California, Case No. CV 07-2811 GPS (JTLx); Rain Bird Corporation
v. Nelson Irrigation Corporation; Filed: Sep. 7, 2007. cited by
applicant .
Reply of Rain Bird to Hunter's Counterclaims; U.S. District
Court--Central District of California, Case No. CV 07-2811 GPS
(JTLx); Rain Bird Corporation v. Nelson Irrigation Corporation;
Filed: Sep. 28, 2007. cited by applicant.
|
Primary Examiner: Nguyen; Dinh Q
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Knobbe, Martens, Olson & Bear,
LLP
Parent Case Text
RELATED APPLICATIONS
.Iadd.Notice: More than one reissue application has been filed for
the reissue of U.S. Pat. No. 6,499,672. The reissue applications of
U.S. Pat. No. 6,499,672 are U.S. patent application Ser. No.
13/205,591 (the present application), filed Aug. 8, 2011, U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 11/871,456, filed Oct. 12, 2007, now
U.S. Pat. No. Re. 42,596, and U.S. patent application Ser. No.
11/022,428, filed Dec. 27, 2004, now U.S. Pat. No. Re. 40,440.
.Iaddend.
This .Iadd.application is a continuation reissue application of
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/871,456, filed Oct. 12, 2007,
now U.S. Pat. No. Re. 42,596, which is a continuation reissue
application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/022,428, filed
Dec. 27, 2004, now U.S. Pat. No. Re. 40,440, which is a reissue
application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/532,772, filed
Mar. 22, 2000, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,499,672, which .Iaddend.is a
continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 09/433,299 filed Nov.
3, 1999, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,244,521.Iadd., the entire contents of
each of which are hereby expressly incorporated by
reference.Iaddend..
Claims
What is claimed is:
.[.1. A rotating stream sprinkler comprising: a rotor plate
supported on one end of a shaft for rotation, in an operative mode,
relative to the shaft; a nozzle located along said shaft upstream
of said rotor plate, said shaft and said nozzle supported within a
base component of the sprinkler; said rotor plate formed with a
chamber, with one end of said shaft having a stator fixed thereto
within said chamber, said chamber at least partially filled with a
viscous fluid; and wherein said chamber is at least partially
closed at an upper end thereof by a rotor plate cap; and further
wherein an underside of said rotor plate cap is provided with a
first plurality of teeth and an upper surface of said stator is
provided with a second plurality of teeth adapted to engage said
first plurality of teeth to enable rotation of said rotor plate
with said shaft in an adjustment mode..].
.[.2. The rotating stream sprinkler of claim 1 wherein said rotor
plate is movable axially on said shaft to enable engagement of said
first and second plurality of teeth..].
.[.3. The rotating stream sprinkler of claim 1 wherein said rotor
plate is formed with a plurality of grooves in an exterior surface
thereof adapted to receive a stream from said nozzle, said grooves
configured to cause said rotor plate to rotate when said stream
impinges on said grooves..].
.[.4. The rotating stream sprinkler of claim 1 wherein said shaft
has an opposite threaded end and a throttle member threadably
mounted on said opposite end, such that when said shaft is rotated
with said first and second plurality of teeth engaged in said
adjustment mode, said throttle member moves axially on said
shaft..].
.[.5. The rotating stream sprinkler of claim 4 and further
comprising a plurality of vertically arranged, circumferentially
spaced ribs axially adjacent said throttle member and serving as a
seat for said throttle member when said throttle member is moved to
a most restrictive flow position..].
.[.6. The rotating stream sprinkler of claim 5 wherein said
throttle has a plurality of axial ribs on an exterior surface
thereof and adapted to intermesh with a plurality of axially
extending ribs on a spider member fixed within said sprinkler body,
thereby preventing said throttle member from rotating..].
.[.7. The rotating stream sprinkler of claim 6 wherein said spider
member is mounted on said shaft axially between said nozzle and
said throttle member..].
.[.8. The rotating stream sprinkler of claim 7 wherein a threaded
collar is press fit on said shaft and said throttle member is
threadably mounted on said collar..].
.[.9. The rotating stream sprinkler of claim 1 wherein said nozzle
comprises radially inner and outer components, configured to emit a
stream at an angle to a central axis of said sprinkler..].
.[.10. The sprinkler of claim 1 wherein said distributor plate
includes a chamber at least partially filled with a viscous fluid
and wherein a stator is fixed to said shaft within said
chamber..].
.[.11. A rotating stream sprinkler assembly comprising a sprinkler
having an inlet, an outlet including a stationary nozzle; a
rotatable stream distributor plate mounted on a shaft downstream of
said nozzle and having stream distribution grooves adapted to
receive a stream from said nozzle and to distribute said stream,
said shaft and said nozzle supported within a base component of the
sprinkler; and means for adjusting the flow rate of water flowing
to said nozzle..].
.[.12. The rotating stream sprinkler of claim 11 wherein said
nozzle is interchangeable with similar nozzles, each having a
different sprinkling pattern..].
.[.13. The rotating stream sprinkler of claim 12 wherein said means
is accessible exteriorly of said sprinkler body..].
.[.14. The rotating stream sprinkler of claim 11 wherein said
distributor plate includes a chamber at least partially filled with
a viscous fluid and wherein a stator is fixed to said shaft within
said chamber..].
.[.15. The rotating stream sprinkler of claim 11 wherein said
nozzle is configured to emit the stream to atmosphere at an angle
relative to a center axis of said sprinkler body..].
.[.16. The rotating stream sprinkler of claim 15 wherein said shaft
lies in said center axis, and wherein said nozzle includes a
substantially conical deflector fixed on said shaft..].
.[.17. The rotating stream sprinkler of claim 16 wherein said
deflector mounts an annular shield extending toward said stream
distribution plate..].
.[.18. The rotating stream sprinkler of claim 16 wherein said
nozzle and said conical deflector cooperate to emit the stream at
an angle of about 20.degree. relative to said center axis..].
.[.19. The rotating stream sprinkler of claim 11 wherein said
stream distributor plate is in the shape of a truncated and
inverted cone with grooves formed therein, a radially inner edge
thereof forming an apex, said apex lying radially outwardly of an
orifice of said nozzle..].
.[.20. The rotating stream sprinkler of claim 11 wherein said
stream distribution plate has a plurality of circumferentially
offset grooves so as to cause said plate to rotate when a stream
from said nozzle impinges on said grooves..].
.[.21. A rotating stream sprinkler assembly comprising a sprinkler
body having an inlet and an outlet including a stationary nozzle; a
rotatable stream distributor plate mounted on a shaft for rotation
relative to the shaft, the distributor plate located downstream of
said nozzle and having stream distribution grooves adapted to
receive a stream from said nozzle and to distribute said stream; a
flow rate adjustment mechanism comprising a throttle member
threadably mounted on said shaft for movement relative to said
shaft, toward or away from an annular seat having a discontinuous
edge such that the flow rate cannot be shut off by having said
throttle member engage said seat..].
.[.22. The rotating stream sprinkler of claim 21 wherein said
distributor plate rotates relative to said shaft during normal
operation but rotates with said shaft during flow rate
adjustment..].
.[.23. The rotating stream sprinkler of claim 22 including means
for preventing said throttle member from rotating with said shaft
during said flow rate adjustment..].
.[.24. The rotating stream sprinkler of claim 21 wherein said
distributor plate includes a chamber at least partially filled with
a viscous fluid and wherein a stator is fixed to said shaft within
said chamber..].
.[.25. The rotating stream sprinkler of claim 21 wherein said
discontinuous edge is defined by a plurality of circumferentially
spaced, axially extending ribs..].
.[.26. A rotating stream sprinkler comprising means for delivering
liquid to a nozzle; means downstream of said nozzle for
distributing liquid emitted from said nozzle in a desired
sprinkling pattern; means for adjusting flow rate of water to said
nozzle; and means for controlling a speed of rotation of said means
for distributing said liquid..].
.[.27. A rotating stream sprinkler comprising a sprinkler body
having an inlet and an outlet including a stationary nozzle; a
rotatable stream distributor plate mounted on a shaft for rotation
relative to the shaft, the distributor plate located downstream of
said nozzle and having stream distribution grooves adapted to
receive a stream from said nozzle and to distribute said stream;
said distributor plate having a chamber formed therein at least
partially filled with a viscous fluid, and a stator fixed to said
shaft within said chamber, wherein rotational speed of said
rotatable stream distributor plate is viscously dampened; and a
flow rate adjustment mechanism comprising a throttle member
threadably mounted for movement relative to said shaft, toward or
away from an annular seat upstream of said throttle member..].
.[.28. The rotating stream sprinkler of claim 27 wherein said
annular seat has a discontinuous edge such that the flow rate
cannot be shut off by having said throttle member engage said
seat..].
.[.29. A rotating stream sprinkler assembly including a sleeve
having an inlet and an outlet including a stationary nozzle; a
rotatable stream distributor plate mounted on one end of a shaft
for rotation relative to the shaft, said shaft supported in said
sleeve, the distributor plate located downstream of said nozzle and
having stream distribution grooves adapted to receive a stream from
said nozzle and to distribute said stream; a flow rate adjustment
mechanism comprising a throttle member threadably mounted on said
shaft for movement within said sleeve, relative to said shaft,
toward or away from an annular seat having a discontinuous edge
such that the flow rate cannot be shut off by having said throttle
member engage said seat..].
.Iadd.30. A rotating stream sprinkler assembly comprising: a
sprinkler having an inlet; an outlet including a nozzle; a
rotatable stream distributor plate being positioned downstream of
the nozzle and being adapted to receive a stream from the nozzle; a
shaft disposed along a central axis of the rotatable stream
distributor plate; and a pair of throttle components including a
first throttle component engaged with a lower end of the shaft and
having at least one flow restriction aperture, and a second
throttle component located axially adjacent to the first throttle
component and having least one flow port, wherein the shaft and the
first throttle component are rotatable in an adjustment mode to
rotate the first throttle component relative to the second throttle
component such that the at least one flow restriction aperture
rotates relative to the at least one flow port to increase or
decrease flow through the nozzle thereby increasing or decreasing a
radius of throw of water away from the sprinkler without changing
an arc of coverage. .Iaddend.
.Iadd.31. The rotating stream sprinkler assembly of claim 30,
wherein the distributor plate comprises stream distribution grooves
adapted to receive the stream from the nozzle and to cause the
distributor plate to rotate relative to the shaft in an operational
mode to thereby distribute the stream. .Iaddend.
.Iadd.32. The rotating stream sprinkler assembly of claim 30,
wherein the first throttle component comprises a plurality of lobes
extending radially therefrom. .Iaddend.
.Iadd.33. The rotating stream sprinkler assembly of claim 32,
wherein the at least one flow restriction aperture is positioned
between adjacent lobes of the first throttle component.
.Iaddend.
.Iadd.34. The rotating stream sprinkler assembly of claim 30,
wherein the first throttle component is positioned below the second
throttle component. .Iaddend.
.Iadd.35. The rotating stream sprinkler assembly of claim 30,
wherein an upper end of the shaft is engaged with a rotor plate of
the assembly. .Iaddend.
.Iadd.36. The rotating stream sprinkler assembly of claim 30,
wherein the first throttle component is press fit onto the shaft.
.Iaddend.
.Iadd.37. The rotating stream sprinkler assembly of claim 30,
wherein the second throttle component at least partially radially
encompasses the first throttle component. .Iaddend.
.Iadd.38. The rotating stream sprinkler assembly of claim 30,
wherein the nozzle is stationary. .Iaddend.
.Iadd.39. The rotating stream sprinkler of claim 30, wherein the
nozzle is interchangeable with similar nozzles, each adapted to
produce a different sprinkling pattern. .Iaddend.
.Iadd.40. The rotating stream sprinkler assembly of claim 30,
wherein the shaft is normally non-rotatable in an operational mode.
.Iaddend.
.Iadd.41. The rotating stream sprinkler assembly of claim 30,
wherein the second throttle component is disposed axially between
the nozzle and the first throttle component. .Iaddend.
.Iadd.42. The rotating stream sprinkler assembly of claim 30,
wherein the pair of throttle components are positioned upstream of
the nozzle. .Iaddend.
.Iadd.43. A method of adjusting flow rate to a nozzle in a rotating
stream sprinkler, the method comprising: providing a second
throttle component positioned upstream of the nozzle; and rotating
a shaft of the sprinkler whereby a first throttle component coupled
to the shaft rotates to adjust the position of flow restriction
apertures of the first throttle component relative to flow ports of
the second throttle component, wherein movement of the first
throttle component relative to the second throttle component
increases or decreases flow through the nozzle. .Iaddend.
.Iadd.44. The method of claim 43, wherein the rotating step
includes moving the second throttle component between a first
restrictive position and a second restrictive position.
.Iaddend.
.Iadd.45. A rotating stream sprinkler assembly comprising: a
sprinkler having an inlet; an outlet including a nozzle; a
rotatable stream distributor plate being positioned downstream of
the nozzle and being adapted to receive a stream from the nozzle; a
shaft disposed along a central axis of the rotatable stream
distributor plate; and a pair of throttle components including a
first throttle component engaged with a lower end of the shaft, and
a second throttle component in fluid communication with the first
throttle component and having a flow port, wherein the shaft is
rotatable in an adjustment mode to axially move the first throttle
component relative to the second throttle component to increase or
decrease flow through the nozzle thereby increasing or decreasing a
radius of throw of water away from the sprinkler without changing
an arc of coverage. .Iaddend.
.Iadd.46. The rotating stream sprinkler assembly of claim 45,
wherein the first throttle component comprises a threaded component
press fit onto the shaft, the threaded component engaging threads
of the first throttle component such that rotation of the shaft
axially moves the first throttle component up or down via rotation
of the threaded component. .Iaddend.
.Iadd.47. The rotating stream sprinkler assembly of claim 45,
wherein the second throttle component is configured to limit axial
downward movement of the first throttle component. .Iaddend.
.Iadd.48. The rotating stream sprinkler assembly of claim 47,
wherein flow of water through the sprinkler is reduced when the
first throttle component is against the second throttle component.
.Iaddend.
.Iadd.49. The rotating stream sprinkler assembly of claim 45,
wherein the distributor plate comprises stream distribution grooves
adapted to receive the stream from the nozzle and to cause the
distributor plate to rotate relative to the shaft in an operational
mode to thereby distribute the stream. .Iaddend.
.Iadd.50. The rotating stream sprinkler assembly of claim 45,
wherein an upper end of the shaft is engaged with a rotor plate of
the assembly. .Iaddend.
.Iadd.51. The rotating stream sprinkler assembly of claim 45,
wherein the nozzle is stationary. .Iaddend.
.Iadd.52. The rotating stream sprinkler of claim 45, wherein the
nozzle is interchangeable with similar nozzles, each adapted to
produce a different sprinkling pattern. .Iaddend.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
This invention relates to landscape and agricultural irrigation
sprinklers and, specifically, to a rotating, viscously damped
sprinkler which permits adjustment of the stream pattern, throw
radius and flow rate.
BACKGROUND
Sprinklers utilizing a fixed nozzle to emit a stream onto the
grooves of a viscously damped rotor plate are known in the art and
examples of such constructions may be found in commonly owned U.S.
Pat. Nos. 5,288,022 and 5,058,806. Sprinklers of this type may be
incorporated into pop-up type arrangements or they may be mounted
on, for example, fixed riser pipes. In either case, it is possible
to employ adjustable or interchangeable nozzles having orifices
which emit a 360.degree. stream, a 180.degree. stream, a 90.degree.
stream, etc. so as to produce a desired sprinkling pattern, to be
determined primarily by the location of the sprinkler. There is
also a need, however, to be able to adjust the throw radius and
flow rate of the sprinkler without varying the water pressure.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
This invention provides, in one exemplary embodiment, an internal
rotary valve in the base of the sprinkler mechanism which can be
actuated by pressing down on the sprinkler rotor plate to thereby
engage a valve drive mechanism, and then rotating the rotor plate
to open or close the internal valve between maximum open or closed
positions, or any position therebetween.
In another exemplary embodiment, the flow rate adjustment mechanism
incorporates an axially movable flow restrictor that is configured
to restrict, but not completely shut off, the flow of water to the
sprinkler nozzle.
As is well known in the art, the rotor plate itself is provided
with specially configured grooves which cause the rotor plate to
rotate when a stream emitted from the nozzle impinges on the
grooves. The plate itself is mounted for rotation about a normally
fixed, i.e., non-rotating shaft. Within the rotor plate, there is a
chamber adapted to be at least partially filled with a high
viscosity fluid. At the same time, there is a fixed stator mounted
on the shaft, located within the chamber. As the rotor plate and
chamber wall rotate about the shaft and the fixed stator, shearing
of the viscous fluid occurs, slowing down the rotation of the rotor
plate to produce a uniform and more well defined pattern. The shaft
extends out of the rotor plate and into the sprinkler body, through
the center of the nozzle. The nozzle itself is interchangeable with
other nozzles having various opening configurations.
In one exemplary embodiment, the nozzle and an underlying generally
cylindrical core flow path component are sandwiched between a
removable sprinkler body cap and a baffle fixed to the lower end of
the shaft for rotation with the shaft. The baffle contains a series
of spokes or lobes which can rotate relative to ports formed in the
core flow path component to regulate the amount of water flowing to
the nozzle.
A rotor plate cap, held in place on the rotor plate by a retainer
ring, is formed with an annular array of teeth adapted to engage
with a mating annular array of teeth formed in the upper surface of
the stator within the fluid chamber. The rotor plate cap and rotor
plate can be pressed downwardly (assuming an upright orientation
for the sprinkler) on the shaft (and relative to the shaft) so as
to cause the teeth on the rotor plate cap and the fixed stator to
engage. With the teeth so engaged, a "drive" mechanism is
established between the rotor plate and the shaft so that manual
rotation of the rotor plate causes the shaft to rotate as well.
This results in the baffle rotating relative to the core flow path
component to thereby throttle the flow through ports in the core to
achieve the desired throw radius. When the rotor plate is returned
upwardly to its original position, the respective teeth on the
rotor plate cap and stator are disengaged, and the rotor plate is
then free to rotate relative to the shaft in a normal operating
mode.
In a second exemplary embodiment, the sprinkler body is simplified
by incorporating three separate component parts, i.e., the
sprinkler body cap, an inner sleeve and a part of the nozzle into a
single base piece. The remaining components are mounted on the
shaft, including a second nozzle component and the flow rate
adjustment mechanism. With regard to the latter, a collar is press
fit onto the lower end of the shaft, with threads formed on its
exterior surface. A sleeve-like throttle member, constrained
against rotation by interaction with a spider component, is
threaded onto the collar so that manual rotation of the axially
stationary shaft results in the throttle member moving up or down
on the shaft, depending upon the direction of rotation of the
shaft. The throttle member thus moves axially toward or away from a
fixed seat secured to an otherwise conventional filter device which
is itself fixed to the lower end of the base. The fixed seat
comprises four vertically extending ribs in an annular array so
that, when the throttle member is fully engaged with the seat,
water flow to the nozzle will be restricted but not shut off. The
way in which the shaft is rotated manually via the rotor plate to
make the desired adjustment is otherwise as described above in
connection with the first embodiment.
Thus, in accordance with its broader aspects, the present invention
relates to a rotating stream sprinkler comprising a rotor plate
supported on one end of a shaft for rotation, in an operative mode,
relative to the shaft; a nozzle located along the shaft upstream of
the rotor plate; the rotor plate formed with a chamber and one end
of the shaft has a stator fixed thereto within the chamber, the
fluid chamber at least partially filled with a viscous fluid; and
wherein the chamber is at least partially closed at an upper end
thereof by a rotor cap plate; and further wherein an underside of
the rotor cap plate is provided with a first plurality of teeth and
an upper surface of the stator is provided with a second plurality
of mating teeth adapted to engage the first plurality of teeth in
an adjustment mode.
In accordance with another aspect, the present invention relates to
a rotating sprinkler comprising a sprinkler body having an inlet
and an outlet including a stationary nozzle; a rotatable stream
distributor plate mounted on a shaft downstream of the nozzle and
having stream distribution grooves adapted to receive a stream from
the nozzle and to distribute the stream; and means for adjusting
the flow rate of water flowing to the nozzle.
In accordance with still another aspect, the present invention
relates to a rotating sprinkler comprising a sprinkler body having
an inlet and an outlet including a stationary nozzle; a rotatable
stream distributor plate mounted on a shaft for rotation relative
to the shaft, the distributor plate located downstream of the
nozzle and having stream distribution grooves adapted to receive a
stream from the nozzle and to distribute the stream; a flow rate
adjustment mechanism comprising a throttle member threadably
mounted on the shaft for movement relative to the shaft, toward or
away from an annular seat having a discontinuous edge such that the
flow rate cannot be shut off by having the throttle member engage
the seat.
In still another aspect, the present invention relates to a
rotating stream sprinkler comprising means for delivering liquid to
a nozzle; means downstream of the nozzle for distributing liquid
emitted from the nozzle in a desired sprinkling pattern; means for
adjusting flow rate of water to the nozzle; and means for
controlling speed of rotation of the means for distributing the
liquid.
In still another aspect, the present invention relates to a
rotating sprinkler comprising a sprinkler body; having an inlet, an
outlet including a stationary nozzle; a rotatable stream
distributor plate mounted on a shaft for rotation relative to the
shaft, the distributor plate located downstream of the nozzle and
having stream distribution grooves adapted to receive a stream from
the nozzle and to distribute the stream; the distributor plate
having a chamber formed therein at least partially filled with a
viscous fluid, and a stator fixed to the shaft within the chamber,
wherein rotational speed of the rotatable stream distributor plate
is viscously dampened; and a flow rate adjustment mechanism
comprising a throttle member threadably mounted for movement
relative to the shaft, toward or away from an annular seat upstream
of the throttle member.
Other advantages of the subject invention will become apparent from
the detailed description that follows.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a partial side elevation of a micro-stream rotating type
sprinkler in accordance with a first embodiment of the
invention;
FIG. 2 is a partial side section similar to FIG. 1, but with the
rotor plate of the sprinkler pressed downwardly to a position that
permits adjustment of the flow rate;
FIG. 3 is a bottom plan view of a baffle and core flow through
component, with the ports in the core wide open;
FIG. 4 is a view similar to FIG. 3 but illustrating the baffle
rotated to a position that partially closes the ports in the
core;
FIG. 5 is a view similar to FIG. 4 but with the baffle rotated to a
position that fully closes the ports in the core;
FIG. 6 is a partial side section of a micro-stream rotator in
accordance with a variation of the embodiment shown in FIGS.
1-5;
FIG. 7 is a top plan view of the core flow path component
incorporated in FIGS. 1 and 2 and shown partially in FIGS. 3-5;
FIG. 8 is a top plan view of the nozzle component incorporated in
the sprinkler shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 6;
FIG. 9 is a side elevation of the nozzle component shown in FIG. 8
but rotated 90.degree. in a clockwise direction;
FIG. 10 is a top plan view of the sprinkler body cap incorporated
in the sprinkler shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 6;
FIG. 11 is a top plan view of the stator component incorporated in
the sprinkler shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 6;
FIG. 12 is a bottom plan view of the rotor plate cap component
incorporated in the sprinkler shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 6; and
FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a micro-stream rotating type
sprinkler in accordance with a second and preferred embodiment of
the invention;
FIG. 14 is a cross section of the sprinkler shown in FIG. 13;
FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a throttle member incorporated in
the sprinkler shown in FIG. 14;
FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a spider component incorporated in
the sprinkler shown in FIG. 14;
FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a part of a filter incorporating a
flow restrictor seat incorporated in the sprinkler shown in FIG.
14;
FIG. 18 is a top plan view of the filter illustrated in FIG.
17;
FIG. 19 is a plan view of the sprinkler base incorporated in the
sprinkler shown in FIGS. 13 and 14; and
FIG. 20 is a plan view of a variation of the sprinkler body cap
shown in FIG. 19.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
With reference now to FIG. 1, a rotary sprinkler device 10 is shown
in connection with a well known pop-up sprinkler (partially shown)
which includes a generally cylindrical riser or outer sleeve 12
which moves up and down within a sprinkler body (not shown) in
response to water pressure. A pop-up sprinkler of this type is
disclosed in the '806 patent, but this invention may be used with
other pop-up sprinklers as well. The sleeve or riser 12 has a
threaded upper end 14 to which is threadably engaged a sprinkler
body cap 16. The sprinkler mechanism in accordance with this
invention is supported within the riser 12 by means of an inner
sleeve 18 having a radially outwardly directed flange 20 at the
upper end thereof. The inner sleeve 18 is supported on the upper
edge of the threaded upper end 14 of the outer sleeve or riser 12
and is held in place by the cap 16. The sprinkling mechanism itself
includes a rotor plate 22, the underside of which is formed with a
plurality of off-center circumferentially arranged grooves 24 which
are configured to cause the rotor plate to rotate when a stream
emitted from the sprinkler body impinges on the grooves. The rotor
plate is supported on a generally stationary shaft 26 for rotation
relative to the shaft. Within the rotor plate, there is a
dish-shaped bearing 28, the lower end of which is formed with a
hole 29 through which the shaft 26 passes. The upper end of the
bearing is engaged by a lower edge 31 of an annular rotor body cap
30, these two components defining an internal fluid chamber 32. A
fixed stator 34 is press fit onto the shaft 26 and is located
within the chamber. The chamber is adapted to be filled or
partially filled with a highly viscous fluid in order to slow the
rotating or whirling speed of the rotor plate to a degree which
maximizes stream uniformity. The rotor plate cap 30 is secured to
the rotor plate 22 by means of an annular retainer ring 36. An
annular flex seal 37 seals the lower end of the chamber 32 to
prevent leakage of fluid as well as to prevent the ingress of dirt
or debris into the chamber. The upper end of the chamber 32 is
sealed by a plug 35 press fit in the top of the rotor plate cap 30.
It is significant that there is a space between the top of the
shaft 26 and the plug 35 which permits axial downward movement of
the rotor plate 22 on and relative to the shaft 26 as explained
further below.
The opposite end of the shaft 26 supports three axially aligned
components within the inner sleeve 18 in the sprinkler body. The
first of these components is a baffle 38 (see also FIGS. 3-5) fixed
to the lower end of the shaft 26. A core flow path component 40 is
slidably received on the shaft above the baffle 38, and includes an
inner wall 42 and an outer wall 44 with an annular space
therebetween. The space is divided into four discrete flow passages
by internal ribs 43a, b, c and d. These passages are accessed by
four ports 46a, b, c and d at the lower end of the core, best seen
in FIGS. 1 and 7. The ports 46 are smaller in cross sectional area
than the passages themselves.
Supported above the core component is an annular nozzle 48 which
has an open lower end axially aligned with the flow passages in the
core component. The upper end of the nozzle has a restricted
orifice 50 which may extend, e.g., 360.degree., about the shaft 26;
180.degree. (see especially FIG. 8) about the shaft; or 90.degree.
about the shaft, depending on the desired shape of the sprinkling
pattern. In the illustrated embodiment, the orifice extends
approximately 180.degree.. Note that the sprinkler body cap 16
includes a similarly shaped orifice 52 extending about a conically
shaped, annular mounting sleeve 54 through which the shaft 26
passes.
With reference now also to FIGS. 8 and 9, the nozzle component 48
has a depending tab 56 which seats within one of the discrete flow
passages in the core flow path component 40. At the same time, the
upper end of the nozzle component 48 is provided with a raised
arcuate rib 58 extending approximately 180.degree. about the
circumference of the nozzle component, that is adapted to seat
within the similarly shaped groove 60 on the underside of the
sprinkler body cap 16 (see FIG. 10). Since the cap 16 is threadably
secured on the riser 12, it will be appreciated that by "keying"
the nozzle to both the core flow path component 40 and the
sprinkler body cap 16 (via tab 56 and rib 58, respectively), the
core flow path component 40 and the nozzle 48 are prevented from
any rotation within the sleeve 18. On the other hand, the baffle 38
is rotatable with the shaft 26 relative to the ports 46a, b, c and
d in an adjustment mode as described further below.
Returning to FIG. 1, it may be seen that the underside of the rotor
plate cap 30 is provided with an annular array of teeth 62 and the
upper surface of the stator 34 is provided with an annular array of
mating teeth 64. Since the shaft 26 is sized to allow an axial
space 66 between the upper end of the shaft and the plug 35 which
prevents escape of any viscous fluid from the upper end of the
rotor plate, the rotor plate 22 as well as the rotor body cap 30
and bearing 28 can be pressed downwardly along the shaft 26
relative to the fixed stator 34. This movement is apparent from
FIG. 2 which shows the mating teeth 60 and 62 in engagement by
reason of a downward pressing action on the rotor plate 22. With
the rotor plate and stator so engaged, it will be appreciated that
by rotating the rotor plate, the shaft 26 as well as the baffle 38
at the lower end of the shaft will rotate relative to the fixed
core component 40.
Turning now to FIGS. 3-5, it can be seen that radially extending
lobes 68 on the baffle 38 are rotatable between a fully open
position as shown in FIG. 3, where the ports 46a through d in the
core flow path component 40 are wide open, and where the lobes 68
have been rotated against one side of stop elements 70 to positions
as shown in either FIG. 4 or 5 (or anywhere in between). Thus, in
FIG. 4, the baffle 38 has been shown rotated slightly in a
counterclockwise direction to partially close the ports 46a through
d. This will reduce the flow rate of water through the apertures
and into the nozzle component, thus reducing both the flow rate and
the radius of throw of the emitted stream. FIG. 5 illustrates a
condition where the baffle 38 has been rotated to the maximum
extent possible in a counterclockwise direction, so that the lobes
68 engage the opposite sides of stop elements 70, and, in this
position, the ports 46a through d in the core flow path component
40 are fully closed, thus preventing any flow from reaching the
nozzle component. It is not necessarily anticipated that the ports
would be fully closed in any normal application, but the drawings
nevertheless indicate the full range of movement of the baffle
38.
Returning to FIG. 2, after the flow adjustment-described above, the
rotor plate 22 is pulled upwardly and returned to the position
shown in FIG. 1 such that the mating arrays of teeth 62 and 64 will
become disengaged so that rotation of the rotor plate 22 will not
cause commensurate rotation of the shaft 26. Thus, when water flows
through the nozzle 48 and impinges on the grooves 24, the rotor
plate 22 will rotate about the shaft 26 to distribute the water
stream radially outwardly in the desired sprinkling pattern, with a
reduced (or increased) radius of throw and reduced (or increased)
flow rate, depending on the adjustment.
In FIG. 6, an alternative sprinkler arrangement is shown where the
sprinkler mechanism as described above (indicated generally by
numeral 72) is mounted on a fixed riser 74, rather than in a pop-up
type sprinkler body. In this embodiment, an adapter 76 is
threadably engaged between the fixed riser 74 and a cap 78 similar
to sprinkler body cap 16. Note also that flanged sleeve 80 (similar
to sleeve 18) is supported on the upper edge of the adapter 76 and
sandwiched between the upper edge of the adapter and the cap
78.
In both of the illustrated embodiments, a filter element 82 (or 84)
is supported by the respective sleeves 18 and 80, but is not
considered part of the invention per se.
Turning now to FIG. 13, a sprinkler 86 in accordance with a
preferred embodiment of the invention is illustrated. In this
embodiment, a base piece or component 88 combines the earlier
described sprinkler body cap 16 and inner sleeve 18 into a single,
integral part. The base 88 thus includes an inner sleeve portion 90
and a cap portion 92 having an interiorly threaded flange 94 by
which the sprinkler may be attached to a riser or sleeve (as shown,
for example, at 12 in FIG. 1) or the like. The base 88 is also
formed with a downwardly and radially inwardly tapering surface 96
terminating at an annular edge 98 defining the outer radius (or
diameter) of the nozzle orifice.
A shaft 100 extends from the base 88 through the nozzle orifice and
into a rotor plate 102 that, like the rotor plate 22, is formed
with a plurality of off-center, circumferentially arranged grooves
104 that are configured to cause the rotor plate to rotate relative
to the shaft 100 when a stream emitted from the nozzle impinges on
the grooves 104.
The rotor plate 102 is formed with an internal fluid chamber 108
that is adapted to be filled (or at least partially filled) with a
viscous fluid 110. The shaft 100 extends through the chamber, with
the remote end 112 of the shaft seated in a recess 114 formed in
the cap 116. The latter is press fit within the rotor plate, seated
on an annular ledge 118 and partially closing the chamber 108. The
upper end of the chamber is then sealed by a cover 120. An O-ring
121 sits on an annular shoulder 123 and also engages the cover 120
to thereby seal the chamber 108, preventing leakage around the
upper end 112 of the shaft 100. Note that the shaft is loosely
seated in recess 114, allowing the rotor plate to rotate about the
shaft.
A stator 122 is fixed to the shaft 100 and located within the
chamber 108. Stator 122 engages a bearing 124, loosely fit on the
shaft. An annular seal 126 is captured between the bearing 124 and
a lower edge 128 of the rotor plate to thereby seal the lower end
of the rotor plate against leakage from the chamber 108. Thus, in a
manner similar to the earlier described embodiment, rotation of the
rotor plate will be slowed by the viscous shearing of fluid between
the stator 122 and the rotor plate wall forming the chamber
108.
A deflector 130, is press fit onto the shaft 100 so as to be
located adjacent the nozzle outer edge 98. The deflector 130 is
formed with an inwardly and downwardly tapering (as viewed in FIG.
14) surface 132 and a lower cylindrical portion 134. Thus, the
nozzle orifice 136 is defined by the outer edge 98 and the
lowermost part of the tapered surface 132 of the deflector 130.
Note that the tapered surface 132 of the nozzle will produce a
stream that exits the nozzle orifice at about a 20.degree. angle to
the shaft axis. In the event the nozzle orifice extends a full
360.degree., then the edge 98 defines the nozzle orifice OD and
surface 132 of the deflector 130 defines the nozzle orifice ID. It
should be noted that by keeping the nozzle orifice close to the
shaft axis, for any given flow rate, the nozzle opening is
maximized to thereby reduce the possibility of plugging.
An elastomeric shield 131 is seated in a groove 133 formed at the
upper end of the deflector 130, with an angled flange 135 extending
upwardly and radially outwardly toward the apex of the rotor plate.
This shield serves to insure that water will not impinge upon the
seal 126, and it prevents said particles from becoming jammed
between the rotor plate 86 and the sprinkler body cap portion 92.
This arrangement, along with the deflector 130 itself, facilitates
keeping the nozzle orifice close to the shaft axis while at the
same time insuring that the stream is directed to the grooves in
the rotor plate.
Within the sprinkler base component 88, a spider component 138 is
located on the shaft, below the deflector 130. The spider 138, best
seen in FIG. 16, includes a tubular sleeve portion 140 which slides
over the shaft 100, and a plurality (preferably four at 90.degree.
intervals) of radially outwardly extending ribs 142 having lower
portions 144 that extend beyond (below) the sleeve portion 140. Rib
portions 144 of two opposed ribs 142 are receivable within or
between respective pairs of axial ribs 146, 148 provided on the
external surface of a throttle member 150. The throttle member 150
is cylindrical in shape, with a threaded interior bore 152. A
collar 154 is threaded on its exterior surface 156 so that the
throttle member can be threaded onto the collar. After the
deflector 130 and spider 138 are in place on the shaft 100, the
sub-assembly of the throttle member 150 and collar 154 is press fit
onto the shaft. This sub-assembly is oriented so that the lower rib
portions 144 are located between the rib pairs 146, 148, ensuring
that the throttle member 150 will not rotate when the shaft 100 is
rotated in the adjustment mode. By constraining the throttle member
against rotation, it is forced to move axially on the shaft, toward
or away from a fixed seat (described below) depending on the
direction of rotation of the shaft. A filter 158 may be
ultrasonically welded (or otherwise fixed) to the sprinkler base 88
at 160. This otherwise conventional filter is modified to the
extent of having four axially extending ribs 162 arranged at
90.degree. intervals about the inside diameter of the filter. These
ribs 162 provide a fixed seat for the throttle member 150 when the
latter is in its most restrictive flow position, i.e., fully seated
on the ribs 162. Since the ribs 162 present a discontinuous seat to
the throttle member 150, a complete shut-off of the flow is not
possible.
FIG. 19 shows the nozzle orifice, as defined by radially outer edge
98 (the deflector 130 and shaft 100 are omitted), extending a full
360.degree.. FIG. 20 shows one alternative nozzle configuration
where the nozzle orifice, as defined by radially outer radius 164,
extends only about 90.degree. about the shaft. Other nozzle orifice
configurations producing arcs of e.g., 180.degree. or 270.degree.
are also within the scope of the invention.
Thus, for adjustment of the flow rate, the user presses downwardly
on the rotor plate, causing the teeth 164 on the inside of the
rotor body cap to engage with the teeth 166 on the upper surface of
the stator establishing a drive mechanism by which the shaft will
rotate with the rotor plate, causing the throttle member 150 to
move upwardly or downwardly on the shaft 100 depending on the
direction of rotation of the rotor plate. In this manner, the flow
rate of water to the nozzle may be adjusted as desired.
While the invention has been described in connection with what is
presently considered to be the most practical and preferred
embodiment, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be
limited to the disclosed embodiment, but on the contrary, is
intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements
included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.
* * * * *