Automatic reversible arc sprinkler

Patent metadata

Field	Value
Publication number	US-2021346902-A1
Application number	US-202117381356-A
Country	US
Kind code	A1
Filing date	Jul 21, 2021
Priority date	Jul 22, 2019
Publication date	Nov 11, 2021
Grant date	—

Abstract

An automatic reversible arc assembly for a sprinkler includes a pair of primary stop members circumferentially spaced from each other by a first amount, and a pair of secondary stop members circumferentially spaced from each other by a second amount, different from the first amount. The primary stop members and the secondary stop members are coupled together and define a pivot assembly pivotable between a first position and a second position. A timer module cooperable with the pivot assembly is configured to hold the pivot assembly in the first position for a selectable period of time, after which the timer module enables the pivot assembly to pivot to the second position. The primary stop members are active in the first position, and the secondary stop members are active in the second position.

First claim

1 . An automatic reversible arc assembly for a sprinkler comprising:
a pair of primary stop members circumferentially spaced from each other by a first amount; a pair of secondary stop members circumferentially spaced from each other by a second amount; and a timer module cooperable with the primary and secondary stop members, the timer module being configured to hold the primary and secondary stop members in a first position in which the primary stop members are active and the secondary stop members are inactive for a selectable period of time, after which the timer module is configured to effect displacement of the primary and secondary stop members to a second position in which the primary stop members are inactive and the secondary stop members are active.

2 . An assembly according to claim 1 , wherein the second amount is different from the first amount.

3 . An assembly according to claim 2 , wherein the sprinkler is displaceable in a circle, wherein the first amount spans an arc on one side of the circle, and wherein the second amount spans an arc on an opposite side of the circle.

4 . An assembly according to claim 3 , wherein the arc on the opposite side of the circle spanned by the second amount at least partially overlaps the arc on the one side of the circle spanned by the first amount.

5 . An assembly according to claim 4 , wherein the first amount spans an arc encompassing 180 degrees, and wherein the second amount spans an arc encompassing up to 320 degrees.

6 . An assembly according to claim 1 , wherein the primary stop members and the secondary stop members are coupled together and define a pivot assembly pivotable between the first position and the second position.

7 . An assembly according to claim 6 , wherein the pivot assembly is biased toward the second position.

8 . An assembly according to claim 1 , wherein the secondary stop members are adjustable such that the second amount is selectively adjustable.

9 . An assembly according to claim 1 , wherein the secondary stop members are unidirectional.

10 . An assembly according to claim 9 , wherein the secondary stop members are each pivotable between an upright position and a deflected position, the secondary stop members being biased toward the upright position.

11 . A method for automatically modifying a sprinkler arc with an automatic reversible arc assembly including a pair of primary stop members circumferentially spaced from each other by a first amount, and a pair of secondary stop members circumferentially spaced from each other by a second amount, the method comprising:
(a) securing the primary stop members in an active position for a selectable period of time; (b) a timer module enabling displacement of the primary stop members from the active position to an inactive position after expiration of the period of time; and (c) the timer module enabling displacement of the secondary stop members to a use position in which the secondary stop members are active.

12 . A method according to claim 11 , wherein steps (b) and (c) are practiced simultaneously.

13 . A method according to claim 12 , wherein the primary stop members and the secondary stop members are coupled together and define a pivot assembly, and wherein the timer module enables displacement of the pivot assembly in steps (b) and (c).

14 . A method according to claim 11 , wherein the second amount is different from the first amount, the first amount defining a first sprinkler arc, and the second amount defining a second different sprinkler arc.

15 . A method according to claim 14 , wherein the sprinkler is displaceable in a circle, the method further comprising configuring the primary stop members such that first amount spans an arc on one side of the circle, and configuring the secondary stop members such that the second amount spans an arc on an opposite side of the circle.

16 . A method according to claim 15 , wherein the arc on the opposite side of the circle spanned by the second amount at least partially overlaps the arc on the one side of the circle spanned by the first amount.

17 . A method according to claim 16 , wherein the first amount spans an arc encompassing 180 degrees, and wherein the second amount spans an arc encompassing up to 320 degrees.

18 . An automatic reversible arc assembly for a sprinkler comprising:
a pair of primary stop members circumferentially spaced from each other by a first amount; a pair of secondary stop members circumferentially spaced from each other by a second amount; a direction change arm configured to interact with either the pair of primary stop members or the pair of secondary stop members; and an actuator operable to maintain the primary and secondary stop members in a first position in which the primary members interact with the direction change arm, and to maintain the primary and secondary stop members in a second position in which the secondary stop members interact with the direction change arm.

19 . An assembly according to claim 18 , wherein the primary stop members and the secondary stop members are coupled together and define a pivot assembly pivotable between the first position and the second position.

20 . An assembly according to claim 19 , wherein the secondary stop members are each pivotable between an upright position and a deflected position, the secondary stop members being biased toward the upright position.

Assignees

• Nelson Irrigation Corp

Inventors

• Zimmerman Mathew L
• Nelson Craig B
• Leinweber Chad D
• Sinden Joseph Daniel

Classifications

• B05B3/0461 Primary

  the rotation of the outlet elements being reversible · CPC title

• B05B3/08

  in association with stationary outlet or deflecting elements · CPC title

• B05B12/02 Primary

  for controlling time, or sequence, of delivery · CPC title