Abstract:
According to one aspect of the present invention, a system for deflecting and distributing liquid from a liquid source is provided. The system comprises a dispersing element disposed along an elongated member, and a retaining structure adapted to enclose at least a portion of the elongated member. The dispersing element further comprises a series of diagonal, spaced grooves configured to receive and deflect the liquid. The dispersing element and the elongated member are configured to rotate and precess relatively freely within the retaining structure.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
   This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/624,609, filed Nov. 3, 2004, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference. 

   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   1. Field of the Invention 
   This invention relates generally to a device for deflecting and distributing liquids and, in particular, to a mechanism suitable for spreading or distributing relatively small amounts of water. 
   2. Description of the Related Art 
   Sprinklers of various types and sizes are used in a number of environments. In one common implementation, a sprinkler system is used to water a lawn. The challenge in watering a lawn is, of course, to achieve a relatively even dispersion of water from a point source. Different sprinklers surmount this obstacle using different methods. A very simple example of a sprinkler system is the watering can. A relatively large amount of water is poured through a large area spout having a number of holes therethrough. The water travels through the holes along a number of trajectories and is thereby dispersed. 
   A number of other sprinkler systems operate via turbine or jet power. The flow from a relatively high volume of water is thereby converted into linear or rotational force. This force is then used to operate some sort of mechanical disperser, which evenly distributes the water. These systems operate fairly well for many applications, especially when watering a significant amount of land, where a large flow of water is necessary and desirable. 
   Unfortunately, these prior art water dispersion and sprinkler systems require this relatively high water pressure to operate correctly. Therefore, these devices are ill-suited for low-flow applications, such as, for example, precision watering of a single plant, watering on steep inclines prone to water runoff, or watering of highly packed soil that is resistant to absorption. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   According to one embodiment of the present invention, a system for deflecting and distributing liquid from a liquid source is provided. The system comprises a dispersing element, which may be conical, disposed along a rod, and a retaining structure, for example a ring, adapted to enclose at least a portion of the rod. The dispersing element further comprises a series of spaced grooves, ridges or other structure configured to receive and/or deflect the liquid. The dispersing element and the rod are configured to rotate or spin and/or precess relatively freely within the retaining ring. 
   In one embodiment, the rod is coupled to a magnet, and the system includes an opposing magnet adapted to direct a force to the rod in a direction generally opposite that of liquid flow. 
   In one embodiment, a device for dispersing liquid has an elongated member and a dispersing element attached thereto. At least one deflecting groove is situated on the dispersing element. At least one retaining structure surrounds the elongated member and confines its movement. The elongated member is maintained above a base surface and within the at least one retaining structure by at least one set of magnets. Liquid directed towards the dispersing element is deflected by the at least one deflecting groove in a generally radial direction away from the dispersing member. The deflection of the liquid away from the dispersing element causes the dispersing element and the elongated member to rotate about a common longitudinal axis. The rotation of the dispersing element and the elongated member further causes the elongated member to precess within the at least one retaining structure. As the liquid contacts the dispersing element during precession, it is distributed throughout a generally circular area around the device. 
   In one embodiment, a device for dispersing liquid has an elongated member and a dispersing element provided thereon. A retaining structure surrounds the elongated member. Liquid directed towards the dispersing element is deflected by the dispersing member in a generally radial direction away from the dispersing member. The deflection of the liquid away from the dispersing element causes the dispersing element and the elongated member to rotate about a common longitudinal axis. The rotation of the dispersing element and the elongated member further causes the elongated member to precess within the retaining structure. As the liquid contacts the dispersing element during precession, it is distributed throughout a generally circular area around the device. 
   In one embodiment, a method for dispersing liquid includes providing an elongated member having a dispersing element attached thereto. Liquid is directed towards the dispersing element, and as it contacts the dispersing element, liquid is deflected in a generally radial direction away from the dispersing member. This causes the dispersing member and elongated member to rotate within a retaining structure about a common longitudinal axis. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The preferred embodiments of this invention, illustrating all its features, will now be discussed in detail. These embodiments depict the novel and nonobvious method and system of this invention shown in the accompanying drawings, which are for illustrative purposes only. The drawings include the following Figures, with like numerals indicating like parts. 
       FIG. 1  shows a perspective view of a water deflection assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 2  shows a perspective view of a water deflection assembly according to a second embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 3  shows a perspective view of a water deflection assembly according to a third embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 4  shows a perspective view of a water deflection assembly according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 5   a  shows a perspective view of a water deflection assembly according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 5   b  shows a perspective view of a water deflection assembly according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 6  shows a perspective view of a water deflection assembly according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 7  shows a detailed plan view of the dispersing member of the water deflection assembly of  FIG. 6 . 
       FIG. 8  shows a perspective view of a water deflection assembly according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention 
       FIG. 9  shows a perspective view of a water deflection assembly according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 10  shows a perspective view of a water deflection assembly according to a tenth embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 11  shows a perspective view of a water deflection assembly according to an eleventh embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 12  shows a perspective view of a water deflection assembly according to a twelfth embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 13  shows a perspective view of a water deflection assembly according to a thirteenth embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 14  shows a perspective view of a water deflection assembly according to a fourteenth embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 15  shows a perspective view of a water deflection assembly according to a fifteenth embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 16  shows a perspective view of a water deflection assembly according to a sixteenth embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 17  shows a perspective view of a water deflection assembly according to a seventeenth embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 18  shows a perspective view of a water deflection assembly according to an eighteenth embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 19  shows a perspective view of a water deflection assembly according to a nineteenth embodiment of the present invention. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
   In one embodiment of the present invention, a water deflection assembly is disclosed that can be used to disperse water or other liquids. In order to do so, one embodiment of the present invention includes a dispersing element, which is preferably a substantially conical element, having grooves or ridges disposed on its external surface. As water contacts this surface, the conical element and an elongated member to which it is situated or attached are caused to spin about their longitudinal axes. The conical element and the elongated member may be supported in a relatively frictionless environment, preferably by use of magnets in one embodiment, allowing the conical element and the elongated member to precess relatively freely around the retaining structure. As the conical element precesses, water contacting its external surface is deflected from the conical element at different angles, and the water is thereby dispersed. 
     FIG. 1  illustrates one embodiment of a water deflection assembly  10 . As illustrated, a liquid outlet  12 , such as a water jet, is located above the water deflection assembly  10 , which liquid outlet  12  represents the point source of water that should be dispersed. This liquid outlet  12  is preferably located along a central axis of the assembly  10  and is fixed relative thereto. Although not shown, some structure for attaching the liquid outlet  12  and the components of the assembly  10  is therefore preferable. In some embodiments, the deflected liquid need not be water, but may be any of a number of liquids. In fact, in one embodiment, the liquid may comprise liquid metal for forming ball bearings. In other embodiments, the liquid may comprise, for example, biological broths or liquid chemicals undergoing heat-generating reactions that may be advantageously cooled or oxidized as they form droplets dispersed through the air. As shown in  FIG. 1 , the liquid flowing from the liquid outlet  12  is propelled by gravity. However, in other embodiments, a variety of pumps or other means for moving water against gravity may be used to propel the water towards the water deflection assembly  10 . 
   As shown in  FIG. 1 , the water deflection assembly  10  may comprise a base  14  and supporting pole  16 , two opposing magnets  18 ,  20 , retaining rings  22 ,  24 , an elongated member or a rod  26  and a dispersing element  28 . The base  14  and supporting pole  16  are used to maintain the relative positions of the other elements of the water deflection assembly  10  and may be manufactured in a variety of ways well known to those of skill in the art. In one embodiment, the base may simply be the earth from which a plant is growing, and a supporting pole may extend generally vertically or vertically from the earth to maintain the relative positions of other elements of the water deflection assembly, including, for example, the opposing magnet  20 . In another embodiment (best seen in  FIG. 8 ), the supporting pole may not be a separate element but may be formed integrally with the retaining rings. In another embodiment (best seen in  FIG. 6 ), the base  14 , the retaining structure  34  for the rod  26  and a support for the liquid outlet  12  may be incorporated into a single larger structure  36 . The base  14  and pole  16  may be constructed from any of a number of rigid or semi-rigid materials and may or may not be made from the same material. In a preferred embodiment, the supporting pole  16  and base  14  may be constructed from a rigid, inexpensive plastic material. 
   The supporting pole  16  supports the retaining rings  22 ,  24 , one located above the other. These rings  22 ,  24  may be constructed of the same or different materials and are preferably constructed from a rigid or semi-rigid material having a relatively low coefficient of friction. The diameter of the upper ring  22  may be identical, smaller or larger than that of the lower ring  24 . The rings  22 ,  24  may also be centered about the same or a different axis. As illustrated, the rings  22 ,  24  have identical radii and are concentric about the same longitudinal axis. Of course, more or fewer rings may be used in other embodiments. For example, in one embodiment, a single thicker ring may be used to support the rod  26  and dispersing element  28 . In another embodiment, three or more rings may be used to provide further security for the rod  26  and dispersing element  28 . In still another embodiment, a toothed ring  42  may be used to drive a mechanical gear. This embodiment is discussed in further detail below, with reference to  FIG. 11 . 
   In the illustrated embodiment, the dispersing element  28  is attached to an upper end of the rod  26 , and the rod  26  is retained within the retaining rings  22 ,  24 . The rod  26  contacts the retaining rings  22 ,  24  at one point on each retaining ring. The rod  26  may be constructed from any of a number of rigid materials and has a length equal to or greater than the distance between the retaining rings  22 ,  24 . The rod  26  may also have a narrower width than the width of the narrowest retaining ring, such that the rod  26  may move relatively freely within the retaining rings  22 ,  24 . In some embodiments, the rod  26  may be further constructed with a variable thickness along its length. 
   As illustrated, the dispersing element  28  may have any of a variety of shapes. In fact, the dispersing element  28  may have any of a number of shapes along which grooves or ridges can be disposed, including a conical or a spherical shape. In one embodiment, the dispersing element  28  need not be tapered, as the rod  26  leans and precesses at an angle relative to the axis of the impinging water. The dispersing element  28  is preferably rigid and may be constructed from the same or different materials as the rod  26  to which it is attached. As may be seen in  FIG. 1 , the dispersing element  28  has diagonal grooves  30  disposed thereon. These grooves  30  may have a variety of shapes and configurations. In one embodiment, these grooves  30  curve along the surface of the dispersing element  28  and may be fairly shallow. However, in other embodiments, at least a subset of the grooves may be more or less diagonal and may have varying depths and spacing between them. The dispersing element  28  need not be conical but can have any suitable shape for dispersing liquid. 
   In one embodiment, at a lower end of the rod  26 , at the opposite end of dispersing element  28 , the rod  26  is attached to a magnet  18 . As illustrated, this magnet  18  has its South pole facing downwards, and its North pole facing upwards. Of course, these polarities may be otherwise disposed in other embodiments. The magnet  18  may comprise any of a number of magnetic materials well-known to those of skill in the art. In a preferred embodiment, the magnet  18  comprises a ferro-magnetic material. The magnet  18  attached to the rod  26  may also be attached at various locations, more or less proximal to the conical element  28 , or on either side of the conical element  28 , as will be apparent from the remaining Figures. 
   Located on or near the base  14 , another magnet  20  may be oriented to oppose the magnet  18  attached to the rod  26 . Of course, those of skill in the art will recognize that the exact orientation of the magnets is not important, so long as the magnets are oriented to oppose one another&#39;s polarity and thus create a repelling force. Thus, the rod  26  is forced away from the base  14  and hangs suspended within the retaining rings  22 ,  24 . The magnets  18 ,  20  allow the rod  26  and dispersing element  28  to remain suspended between the liquid outlet  12  and the base  14  with relatively little friction impeding their rotation and precessing. Of course, in other embodiments, other means of reducing friction may be used. For example, the lower end of the rod  26  and upward facing floor of the base  14  may comprise two materials that have very low coefficients of friction, such as PTFE against smooth metal or a plastic flotation device against a liquid surface. Alternatively, the upward facing floor of the base  14  may comprise a material that, when wet, has a very low coefficient of friction. 
   The embodiment of  FIG. 1  will now be described in operation. In an inactive state, the rod  26  is suspended above the base  14  by the upward force created by the two magnets  18 ,  20 . In this inactive state, the rod  26  will orient itself such that it contacts the upper ring  22  at a point 180 degrees from the point at which it contacts the lower ring  24 , thus lowering the potential energy of this system. 
   When water is allowed to fall from the liquid outlet  12 , it contacts the external surface of the dispersing element  28  as shown. The water then flows along the diagonal grooves  30 . The weight of the water and the force with which the water contacts the grooves causes the dispersing element  28  to spin about its longitudinal axis. As the water is deflected outwardly, a force is imposed on the dispersing element  28  in the opposite direction of the deflected liquid forcing the rod  26  against the upper ring  22 . Since the grooves  30  are oriented diagonally along the dispersing element  28 , the force from the water may also impart a tangential component to the dispersing element  28 , thus spinning the rod  26  and dispersing element  28 . In the illustrated embodiment, the dispersing element  28  spins in a clockwise direction viewed from the top. 
   As soon as the water starts to contact the dispersing element  28 , the dispersing element  28  also experiences an additional downward force, and thus the rod  26  and dispersing element  28  are reoriented in a lower position relative to their inactive state, and thus necessarily increasing the repelling force. 
   As is well known to those of skill in the art, as the dispersing element  28  is spun clockwise about its longitudinal axis, the rod  26  and dispersing element  28  precess counter-clockwise within the rings  22 ,  24 . As these elements of the assembly precess, the water flowing from the liquid outlet  12  is deflected at a variety of angles and is thereby distributed around the water deflection assembly  10 . Since the rod  26  and dispersing element  28  are supported magnetically and experience relatively little friction with the retaining rings  22 ,  24 , very little water flow is required to drive this simple turbine. 
   In  FIG. 2 , another embodiment of the present invention is shown (with the supporting pole not shown). In this embodiment, both the dispersing element  28  and rod-attached magnet  18  are located at intermediate locations along the rod  26  and between the retaining rings  22 ,  24  rather than at either end of the rod  26 . This embodiment of the water deflection assembly  10  should function in substantially the same way as that described above, with reference to  FIG. 1 . 
   In  FIG. 3 , yet another embodiment of the present invention is shown (with the supporting pole not shown).  FIG. 3  shows an embodiment substantially similar to that of  FIG. 1 . However, flared portions  32  of the rod  26  lie adjacent the retaining rings  22 ,  24 . These flared portions  32  engage the rings  22 ,  24  to reduce the vertical travel of the rod  26  when water is deflected by the dispersing element  28 . The flared portions  32  reduce this vertical travel by transforming the outward force of the rod  26  against the rings  22 ,  24  into an upwards acting force as the flared portions  32  of the rod  26  roll against the rings  22 ,  24 . Preferably, the flared portions are conical in shape with the top of the cone pointing downward. 
   In  FIG. 4 , yet another embodiment of the present invention is shown (with the supporting pole not shown). The retaining rings  22 ,  24  have differing radii in this embodiment, and the magnet  18  is disposed near the upper end of the rod  26 , and may be embedded in the rod. However, the rod  26  also has a varying radius along its length, and, in a preferred embodiment, the ratio of the rod&#39;s circumference to the adjacent ring&#39;s circumference remains constant. As a result, the rod  26  and dispersing element  28  precess similarly to the above embodiments, but, as illustrated, the rod  26  lies against the same side of both retaining rings  22 ,  24 , as this orientation now minimizes the potential energy of the system. The force of the water in this embodiment is opposed both by the force between the two magnets  18 ,  20  as well as the outwardly directed force of the rod  26  as it rotates within the retaining rings, which force has an upwardly directed component. 
   In  FIG. 5   a , yet another embodiment of the present invention is shown (with the supporting pole not shown). In this embodiment, the retaining rings  22 ,  24  once again have differing radii. In addition, the dispersing element  28  is oriented towards the ground, opposite of the orientation in the previously discussed embodiments, and the water is shot up through the lower retaining ring  24  towards the dispersing element  28 . In  FIG. 5   a , oppositely oriented magnets  18 ,  20  are used to maintain a downward force on the dispersing element  28  and the rod  26 . However, magnets need not be used to make this particular embodiment work. In one embodiment, the force of the water against the dispersing element  28  may counteract the force of gravity during use, such that the rod  26  and dispersing element  28  can precess relatively freely around the rings  22 ,  24 . In many of the embodiments discussed herein, magnets need not be used, allowing instead the centrifugal force of the rotating rod  26  and/or the force of gravity to counteract the force of the impinging water jet. In still other embodiments, the rod  26  may be constructed with multiple dispersing elements  28 , and water may strike these dispersing elements  28  from multiple directions, thereby suspending the rod  26  without the use of magnets. In a preferred embodiment, the dispersing elements  28  may be mounted on either end of the rod  26  in a symmetrical configuration, and the water jets may be directly opposing. 
   In  FIG. 5   b , another embodiment of the present invention is shown. As in  FIG. 5   a , the dispersing element  28  is oriented towards the ground, and the water is shot up from the base  14  towards the dispersing element  28 . In  FIG. 5   b , oppositely oriented magnets  18 ,  20  are used to maintain the rod  26  within the retaining rings  22 ,  24  when the device is not operating. As liquid is forced from the liquid outlet  12 , it will contact the dispersing element  28  and be dispersed away from the dispersing element  28 . In addition, the force of the liquid on the dispersing element  28  will impose an upwards force on the dispersing element  28  and rod  26 . This force may move the dispersing element  28  and rod  26  upwards, further away from the liquid outlet  12 . In fact, the distance between the magnet  18  disposed on the rod  26  and the magnet  20  located on the liquid outlet  12  may increase to a distance so that the opposing magnetic forces are minimized or eliminated. Therefore, the upward force on the dispersing element  28  created by the liquid contact may be countered solely by the centrifugal force of the rotating rod  26  and/or the force of gravity. 
   In  FIG. 6 , yet another embodiment of the present invention is shown. This particular embodiment is similar to that shown in  FIG. 1 . The supporting pole  16  of  FIG. 1  is replaced by the cup  36 , which functions similarly to retain the elements of the assembly  10  in a particular configuration. The two retaining rings  22 ,  24  of previous embodiments are replaced by one wider retaining ring  34 , which surrounds the rod  26  and contacts the rod  26  at either end of the retaining ring  34 . The grooves  30  in the dispersing element  28  comprise diagonal sections defined between wires  38  that adhere to the surface of the dispersing element  28  (as best shown in  FIG. 7 ). Thus, the water pouring from the liquid outlet  12  exerts a force against the wires  38  in order to rotate the dispersing element  28 . In the embodiment represented by  FIG. 6 , magnets  18 ,  20  are used to maintain an upwards force on the rod  26  and dispersing element  28 . However, as the assembly  10  is partially contained within the cup  36 , this embodiment is also well-suited for replacing the magnets. Although not shown, the cup  36  may be partially filled with water, and the rod  26  may have a floating element disposed opposite the dispersing element  28  for contacting the surface of the water. This configuration may be used to create a relatively low friction interface and may allow the assembly  10  to efficiently disperse impinging water without the use of magnets. 
     FIGS. 8-10  show another embodiment of the present invention. As illustrated, the embodiment of  FIG. 8  is very similar to the embodiment of  FIG. 1  and functions substantially similarly. However, the base  14 , supporting pole  16  and retaining structure  34  are implemented by a unitary piece of material, preferably metal, shaped to support and retain all key elements of the assembly  10 . Thus, the assembly  10 , as depicted in  FIG. 8 , may be less expensive to manufacture.  FIG. 9  shows the same assembly from  FIG. 8  hydraulically connected to a container  8 . Liquid from the container  8  may gravity flow to the assembly  10  through a liquid outlet  12 . As is well-known to those of skill in the art, liquid in the container  8  may also be routed to the assembly  10  by a number of mechanical devices such a pump.  FIG. 10  shows a variation of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 9 . As illustrated in  FIG. 10 , liquid may be directed into a container  8  through a fill port  74 . For convenience, the container  8  may be attached to the top rim of a flower pot  6  using a fastener  76 . The liquid is routed to the assembly  10  through a liquid outlet  12  and distributed throughout a circular area surrounding the assembly  10 . The liquid may be conveyed to the assembly  10  by gravity or by creating a pressure gradient between the container  8  and the assembly  10 . A simple mechanism for creating a pressure gradient is illustrated in  FIG. 10 . The liquid flowing through the fill port  74  fills a balloon  72  situated within the container  8 . As the balloon  72  expands with liquid, its internal pressure increases above the ambient pressure at the assembly  10 . This pressure difference causes the liquid to flow through the liquid outlet  12  to the assembly  10 . Of course, those of skill in the art will recognize that the necessary pressure gradient may be generated in many other ways. For example, the container  8  may be equipped with a simple hand pump to manually increase the internal pressure within the container  8 . To prevent the liquid from escaping the container  8  through the fill port  74 , the fill port  74  may be designed to permit liquid flow only into the container  8 . 
     FIG. 11  shows substantially the same assembly  10  from  FIG. 1 . However, a supporting ring  40  is added between the two retaining rings  22 ,  24 . This supporting ring  40  does not act to retain the rod  26  in a desired orientation but instead supports a toothed ring  42  that may rotate with the rod  26 . The toothed ring  42  may be completely disconnected from the supporting ring  40  or may be rotatably coupled to the supporting ring  40 . In other embodiments, the supporting ring  40  may be replaced by some other means for supporting a freely rotatable toothed ring  42 . 
   In order to drive the toothed ring  42 , the rod  26  may also be modified to have at least a section  50  with teeth  52  disposed thereon. These teeth  52  are configured to engage the teeth of the toothed ring  42  as the rod  26  spins and precesses within the supporting and retaining rings  40 ,  22 ,  24 . Thus, the rotation of the rod  26  may be converted into rotation of the toothed ring  42 . 
   As the toothed ring  42  rotates, it engages the gears  44  of a mechanical output  46 . As is well-known to those of skill in the art, this mechanical linkage may be implemented in a number of ways. As illustrated, outwardly facing teeth of the toothed ring  42  engage the teeth of the gears  44  to turn a shaft  48 . The mechanical output  46  of  FIG. 11  is a simple fan, for the purposes of illustration. However, in other embodiments, the mechanical energy may be converted to drive a number of simple devices, including, for example, the wheels of a traveling sprinkler (as best shown in  FIG. 12 ) or the drive of an oscillating nozzle. As is well known to those of skill in the art, the drag created by this mechanical output  46  may slow down the rotational speed of the rod  26 , and this particular embodiment of the assembly  10  is particularly suited to higher flow applications. 
   In another embodiment, as described above and illustrated in  FIG. 12 , the mechanical energy generated by the precessing rod  26  may be used to power a number of drive wheels  104  of a traveling sprinkler  100 . The rotational energy of the mechanical output  46  may be transferred to the drive wheels  104  through one or more gear assemblies  120  and shafts  122 . In the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 12 , the traveling sprinkler  100 , houses all other necessary components of the deflection assembly, including the magnet  20  to oppose the magnet  18  situated on the rod  26 , the pole  16  and a support for the liquid outlet  12 . In addition, one or more non-driven wheels  102  may be attached to the traveling sprinkler  102  as needed for stability or some other purpose. 
   Of course, in other embodiments, the rotational energy of the rod  26  may be otherwise converted to a more usable form. For example, in one embodiment, a magnet may be mounted in the rod  26  and surrounded by turns of wire in order to create some electrical energy for operating a simple timer, or other electronic device, or simply to create drag to modulate the rod&#39;s rotational speed.  FIG. 13  shows a substantially similar method of generating electrical energy. In this embodiment, coiled wires  90  are situated along the rod  26  between the rings  22 ,  24 . As the coiled wires  90  rotate around the adjacent magnets  92 ,  94 , which are situated in approximately the same horizontal plane, electrical energy is generated. Wires  96 ,  98  connect the retaining rings  22 ,  24  to a voltage amplifier and capacitor unit  106 . Electrical energy is then used to power a solenoid  108 , which converts the electrical energy into mechanical energy to power a wheel  102  via a ratchet lever arm  110 . 
     FIG. 14  shows another embodiment of the assembly  10  useful for capturing and converting some of the rotational energy from the rod  26 . In this embodiment, a toothed ring  42  is disposed on the lower retaining ring  24 . The lower retaining ring  24  may also be modified, with teeth along its inner radius. This may improve the engagement between the toothed section  50  of the rod  26  and the lower retaining ring  24  and may prevent slipping between them. The toothed ring  42  is preferably situated within a corresponding recess in the lower retaining ring  24 . Ball bearings may be positioned between the outside of the toothed ring  42  and the recess in the lower retaining ring  24  to reduce friction. Alternatively, the toothed ring  42  may be held in position atop the lower retaining ring  24  by guide pins that do not affect the ability of the toothed ring  42  to rotate relative to the retaining ring  24 . According to the requirements of other embodiments, the toothed ring  42  may be disposed above or below the upper or lower retaining rings. 
   In a preferred embodiment, the toothed ring  42  is disposed above the lower retaining ring  24  and has one fewer teeth than it. As a result, for every complete turn the rod  26  makes around the retaining ring  24 , the toothed ring  42  rotates by the width of a single tooth. Thus, a significant gear ratio may be created between the assembly&#39;s mechanical output  46  and the rod  26 . Such a ratio may be desirable in a number of situations to control the speed and power output at the mechanical output  46 . In other embodiments, the toothed ring  42  may have even fewer teeth than the adjacent retaining ring for a different gear ratio, allowing the toothed ring  42  to turn in the opposite direction from the rod&#39;s  26  precession about the retaining ring  24 . Such embodiments are preferred where, as illustrated in  FIG. 14 , the toothed ring  42  is located towards the middle of the rod  26 . In still other embodiments, the toothed ring  42  may be configured with more teeth than the adjacent retaining ring, and the toothed ring  42  may rotate in the same direction as the rod&#39;s  26  precession. Such embodiments are preferred where the toothed ring  42  is located distally from the middle of the rod, adjacent the outwardly facing surface of an adjacent retaining ring. 
   In  FIG. 15 , yet another embodiment of the present invention is shown. In this embodiment, constructed somewhat similarly to that of  FIG. 4 , the retaining rings  22 ,  24  have differing radii, the magnet  18  is disposed near the upper end of the rod  26 , and the magnet  20  is disposed above the magnet  18  and near the center of the retaining ring  22 . As a result, the magnetic force between the two magnets  18 ,  20  imposes a significant outwardly directed component on the rod  26 , which is partially redirected upwards by the rod&#39;s interaction with the ring  22 . 
   Like the rod of  FIG. 4 , the rod  26  has a varying radius along its length, and, in a preferred embodiment, the ratio of the rod&#39;s circumference to the adjacent ring&#39;s circumference remains constant. As a result, the rod  26  and dispersing element  28  precess similarly to the above embodiments, but, as illustrated, the rod  26  lies against the same side of both retaining rings  22 ,  24 , as this orientation now minimizes the potential energy of the system. 
   The rod  26  further comprises a disc member  56  that is configured to roll within a hollow track  58  on the inner radius of the upper retaining ring  22 . In this way, the assembly  10  can be made more secure, and the path of the water exiting the assembly  10  made more predictable. The disc member  56  may be fixed to or rotatable relative to the rod  26 . The supporting pole  16  and base  14  of previous embodiments are replaced, in the embodiment of  FIG. 15 , by a single frame component  60  that orients the parts of the assembly  10  relative to each other. 
   In  FIG. 16 , yet another embodiment of the present invention is shown. This embodiment may be constructed very similarly to that of  FIG. 15  or  FIG. 4 . The retaining rings  22 ,  24  have differing radii, the magnet  18  is disposed near the upper end of the rod  26 , and the magnet  20  is disposed below the magnet  18  and is trapped above the nozzle for the fluid. As with the embodiment of  FIG. 15 , the supporting pole  16  and base  14  of previous embodiments are replaced by a single frame component  60 . Finally, the dispersing element  28  is moved below the lower retaining ring  24 , in order to allow the water to fall more freely without interacting with other elements of the assembly  10 . This embodiment also demonstrates that the particular placement of the dispersing element  28  is not essential for the working of the assembly  10 . 
   In  FIG. 17 , yet another embodiment of the assembly is shown. Two magnetized rings  2 ,  4  are situated between the retaining rings  22 ,  24 . The retaining rings  22 ,  24 , the magnetized rings  2 ,  4  and the discharge nozzle of the liquid outlet  12  are all positioned along substantially the same vertical centerline. In the embodiment shown, the dispersing element  28  is located between the lower magnetized ring  4  and the lower retaining ring  24 . In addition, two magnets  18 ,  20  are disposed along the rod  26 , one above the upper magnetized ring  2  and one below the lower magnetized ring  4 . The upper magnet  18  is situated above the upper magnetized ring  2  and is oriented to oppose the polarity of the upper magnetized ring  2 . Likewise, the lower magnet  20  is situated below the lower magnetized ring  4  and is oriented to oppose the polarity of the lower magnetized ring  4 . As the result of the opposing magnetic fields, the rod  26  remains vertically suspended in such a manner that the magnetic rings  2 ,  4  are located between the rod-mounted magnets  18 ,  20 . The liquid outlet  12  directs liquid through the upper retaining ring  22 , the two magnetized rings  2 ,  4  and onto the surface of the dispersing element  28 . As in the other embodiments, contact by the liquid causes the dispersing element  28  and the rod  26  to spin about their axes and rotate around the retaining rings  22 ,  24 . As a result, the liquid is dispersed in various directions in a circular pattern around the dispersing member  28 . 
     FIG. 18  shows yet another embodiment of the assembly  10 . In this embodiment, a ring magnet  18  is attached to the outside of the hollow rod  26  and is positioned between two magnetized retaining rings  2 ,  4  that restrain the hollow rod  26 . The magnet  18  is oriented to oppose the magnetic fields of both magnetized retaining rings  2 ,  4 . This permits the hollow rod  26  to maintain a vertical position where the ring magnet  18  disposed on the hollow rod  26  is always positioned between the adjacent magnetized retaining rings  2 ,  4 . A dispersing element  28  is situated on the interior, lower end of a hollow rod  26 . As liquid from the liquid outlet  12  is directed inside the hollow rod  26 , liquid contacts the grooves  30  of the dispersing element  28 , causing the liquid to be deflected through the lower opening of the hollow rod  26  in a substantially radial direction away from the hollow rod  26 . As in the previous embodiments of the dispersing element  28 , the liquid contact causes the dispersing element  28  to rotate about its longitudinal axis. Consequently, the hollow rod  26  precesses around the magnetized retaining rings  2 ,  4 , causing the liquid to be deflected in various radial directions around the assembly  10 . 
   Of course, the vertical orientation of the hollow rod  26  may be maintained by multiple variations of opposing magnetic systems. For example, in  FIG. 19 , the vertical location of the hollow rod  26  is maintained by positioning two ring magnets  18 ,  20  on the exterior of the hollow rod  26 . In this embodiment, an upper ring magnet  18  is positioned above the upper magnetized retaining ring  2  and another ring magnet  20  is positioned below the lower magnetized retaining ring  4 . Those of skill in the art will recognize that the exact number and orientation of ring magnets and magnetized retaining rings is not important, so long as the opposing magnetic forces that are generated are sufficient to maintain the vertical position of the hollow rod  26 . 
   In all of the above embodiments, factors may cause or combine to cause the rod  26  to move out of a desired orientation during operation. For example, in a resting configuration, the rod  26  of  FIG. 1  contacts the two retaining rings  22 ,  24  at locations 180 degrees apart, thus minimizing the potential energy of the system. However, as the rod  26  spins and precesses during use, the points at which it contacts the two retaining rings  22 ,  24  may move less out of phase. This phenomenon may be caused by a number of factors. 
   For example, if the retaining rings  22 ,  24  have slight variations in size, due to their manufacture or as a result of wear and tear, one end of the rod  26  may orbit its respective ring faster than the other end of the rod  26 , and this faster precession may overcome those stabilizing forces that act to minimize the potential energy of the system. As another example, if there is more friction at one retaining ring-rod interface, the rod  26  may precess faster at the lower friction interface, and one end of the rod  26  may drag relative to the lower friction interface at the opposite end of the rod  26 . Thus, the optimum state of precession may not be realized. This frictional variation may be caused by the characteristics of the retaining ring and rod surfaces, by weight variations in the rod  26 , or by the deliberate addition of a mechanical device at one end, as shown above in  FIG. 11 . 
   In different embodiments, various ways of overcoming these problems may be implemented. In one embodiment, the weight distribution along the rod  26  may be varied. In another embodiment, the diameter of the rod  26  in contact with the retaining ring may be varied. In still another embodiment, the angle at which the rod  26  lies against the retaining ring may be varied. In another embodiment, the placement and angle of the water deflecting grooves  30  on the dispersing element  28  or the diameter and shape of the dispersing element  28  itself may be varied. The placement of the dispersing element  28  or magnet  18  along the rod  26  may also be varied in order to vary the force and pressure of the rod  26  against either retaining ring. Of course, adjustments may also be made to the diameters of either the upper or lower retaining rings, and gear teeth may be added or subtracted from toothed rings to affect the movement of the rod  26  relative to the ring. 
   Although this invention has been disclosed in the context of certain preferred embodiments and examples, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the present invention extends beyond the specifically disclosed embodiments to other alternative embodiments and/or uses of the invention and obvious modifications and equivalents thereof. For example, variations of the assembly  10  may be well-suited for use in fountains, shower heads, dishwashers, low flow hose nozzles, and many industrial applications. It also is contemplated that various aspects and features of the invention described can be practiced separately, combined together, or substituted for one another, and that a variety of combinations and subcombinations of the features and aspects can be made and still fall within the scope of the invention. For example, an assembly  10  may be constructed without the need for an opposing magnetic system. Such an assembly  10  may rely on the force created by liquid contacting the dispersing element  28 , the force of gravity, and/or centrifugal forces to counteract one another. Moreover, the different elements of these assemblies  10  may be constructed from a number of different suitable materials well known to those of skill in the art, including rust-proof metallic surfaces, polymeric surfaces, ceramics, and other materials. Thus, it is intended that the scope of the present invention herein disclosed should not be limited by the particular disclosed embodiments described above.