FLUID FLOW SYSTEM

Abstract: There has been a long felt need for an improved sprinkler system to replace the basic concept of pulsating sprinklers while still allowing the pattern to be controlled. The system has a body (20) with internal passageways and a hollow sleeve (24) attached thereto. A hollow union (32) is rotatably retained on the sleeve (24) and a gasket (30) provides a seal therebetween. A pair of adjustable arm stops (34) attach to the union (32) confining the rotational movement. A nozzle (36) is joined to the body (20) with an arm (42) distending parallel with the nozzle (36) and a pivotal member (44) extends upwardly therefrom. A plate (46) is swivelly mounted on the member (44) with means to limit the pivotal movement connected to the arm (42). The fluid from the nozzle (36) impinges on the plate (46) as it pivots upon the member (44) causing the entire arm (42) to axially advance. In the reversing embodiment a torque differential and flow impingement upon the stop (34) combine energy functions and reverses.

Description: FLUID PLOW SYSTEM TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to flat plate distribution of liquids in general such as water irrigation of fields and lawns. This invention embraces both non-reversing and reversing fluid flow systems. As utilized herein the term fluid flow embraces gas, fluid, and fine granular flow systems where granular dimensions are small with respect to the flow passageways. BACKGROUND ART Previously, many types of sprinklers have been used to endeavor to provide an effective means for automati¬ cally dispensing a flow of water over a given area. Some are fixed and do not rotate, but create a given pattern, while others rotate by the action of a cam follower pivoted into engagement with the flow stream creating the motivating force. A search of the prior art did not disclose any patents that read directly on the claims of the instant invention, however, the following U.S. patents were considered related: PATENT NO. INVENTOR ISSUED 4,462,545 Lourenco 31 July 1984 4,281,793 DeWitt 4 August 1981 3,884,416 King 20 May 1975 2,739,839 Greener, et al 27 March 1956 2,600,987 Gallice 17 June 1952 Lourenco teaches a spindle having a cam rotatable with the sprinkler head mounted on an upper chamber. A cam follower is pivoted into engagement with the cam means- of * hydraulic pressure. A valve key portion con- stricts the flow of water in a variable manner controlled • by the shape of the cam achieving a pattern, such as a square or non-circular configurations. DeWitt utilizes a vertical axis water sprinkler having an internal control shell rotating a spray head within a fixed housing. The spray pattern is governed by a number of pattern defining plates. An aperture sweeps across the face and edge of the plate rotating the housing in a predetermined manner. Speed is held con¬ stant despite changes in output by a friction bearing and shell pressures. King employs a rotating sprinkler head with a hollow shaft having a restricting port. A port plate has two passageways with a central port aligned with the axis of rotation and another offset therefrom. An orifice plate is held in place by a spring. As the device rotates, the radial reach is varied depending upon the mutual over¬ lap between orifices and ports achieving a square irriga¬ tion pattern. Greener et al applies a fixed sleeve member sup- ported to a body member. A tubular axle is mounted within the sleeve and is restrained against longitudinal movement. The axle has a continuous inlet and auxiliary inlets at prepositioned locations. The device is attached between the water source and a conventional sprinkler head to vary the amount of water at various angular positions in a rotational cycle, thereby creating a predetermined pattern of distribution. Gallice also provides a device that is connected between the water source and a revolving sprinkler head. This invention also varies the flow to create a pre¬ determined flow pattern. DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION Since prior art has been concerned with sprinklers in general that create a flow pattern of various shapes and sizes, little has been done to simplify the basic pulsating sprinkler. Many and varied applications utilize a pulsating head sprinkler system to irrigate crops and lawns, and the need has been long felt to have a system that may replace the basic concept of pulsating sprinklers while still allowing the pattern to be controlled. The primary object of this invention is rotation and desirable dispersal of a flowing liquid as it impacts a torque dispersal plate. In the reversing embodiment the torque dispersal plate is free to rotate within limits and the flow path of tήe fluid is directed to the fore and/or aft ends. Using only one rotating member in the entire system, the number of components is reduced. This simplicity of design eliminates many hinged, or movable components and relies upon a simple, single plate to accomplish the entire motivational and dispersal system in both reversal and non-reversal embodiments. The principles of this system may be used in other areas and is not limited to this application only. An important object of the invention eliminates the use of a hammer type device that repeatedly impinges onto the flowpath creating a rapidly interrupted sound that is repetitious and annoying. Another object of the invention is cost reduction because of the radical reduction in the number of com- ponents, manufacturing costs are reduced, reliability is improved and operational use is simplified. . Still another object of the invention allows the directional flow and fan pattern to be governed in its intensity and path. Reverser*s limit angular coverage while swivel stops modify the fan pattern. The type of surface on the torque dispersal plate controls the granular size of the water droplets sprayed into the pattern and further effects the proportional impact between fore and aft sections of the plate. Since the operation is simple to understand, the adjustment is easily and intuitively perceived. A detailed operating and adjusting procedure is unnecessary. Yet another object provides a simplified non- reversing embodiment that is even more cost effective as it eliminates still more elements and yet produces an adjustable flowpath in a circular pattern. These and other objects and advantages of the pre¬ sent invention will become apparent from the subsequent detailed description of the preferred embodiment and the appended claims taken in conjunction with the accompany- inσ drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIGURE 1 is a partial isometric view of the prefer¬ red embodiment with an adjustable clamp and fixed arm. FIGURE 2 is a partial isometric view of the direc- tional shifter completely removed from the invention for clarity. FIGURE 3 is a plan view of the preferred embodiment taken along lines 3-3 of FIGURE 1, FIGURE 4 is a partial isometric view of the separate orifice within the nozzle means completely removed from the invention for clarity. FIGURE 5 is a partial elevational view of the pre¬ ferred embodiment illustrating the torque dispersal plate with the torsion spring plate stop means. FIGURE 6 is a partial isometric view of the pre- f rred embodiment with an adjustable arm and spring loaded plate stop means. FIGURE 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along lines7-7 of FIGURE 1. FIGURE 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along lines 8-8 of FIGURE 6. FIGURE 9 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along lines 9-9 of FIGURE 6. FIGURE 10 is a fragmentary isometric view of the torque dispersal plate with the peg stop means. FIGURE 11 is a plan view taken along lines 11-11 of FIGURE 13. FIGURE 12 is a plan view taken along lines 12-12 of FIGURE 13. FIGURE 13 is a partial isometric view of the second embodiment. BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION The best mode for carrying out the invention is presented in terms of a preferred embodiment and a second embodiment. FIGURE 1 illustrates the preferred embodiment, which consists of an angular body 20 having an internal passageway on the inside from one end through to the other. The body 20 further contains connecting means 22 on the inlet, and the outlet in the form of threads or sockets for connection by threading, thermoplastic bond- ing, or the like. The body 20 functions as a conduit for transmitting fluid within. . A hollow, straight connecting sleeve 24 having connecting means 26 on one end and a flange 28 with a gasket 30 positioned on the sleeve contiguous with its inside surface on the other end, is connected to the inlet of the body 20. This sleeve 24 extends the body 20, creating- a straight tubular section between the body 20 and the flange 28. A hollow union 32 having a method of attachment on the outside of one end and a plurality of grooves on the other with flats therebetween is rotatably retained upon the straight section of the sleeve 24. This ability to rotate allows the assembly to create a hydraulic seal between the flange 28 and the end of the union 32, having the gasket 30 positioned sealably therebetween. With this arrangement, the body 20 and sleeve 24 are free to rotate when the union 32 is attached to a liquid supply line as normally found in an irrigation system as an example. A pair of reversers 34 intimately embrace the grooves on the union 32 and project outwardly distal to the outlet of the body 20. The first shifter 34 is on . one side of the body and the second shifter 34 is on the other side, tangentially aligned therewith, thereby confining the rotational movement of the body 20 in relation to the union 32. The reversers 34 in the pre¬ ferred embodiment, are comprised of a metallic sheet ribbon formed to include a retaining loop on one end and an angular flange on the other. This loop intimately embraces the groove on the union 32, allowing adjustment of the reversers limiting the rotational travel of the body 20 in relation to the union 32. Another embodiment, as shown in FIGURE 6, is formed from round wire in the same basic shape, except the groove in the union is radial forming a pocket to receive the wireform retaining loop. Nozzle means 36 having a first and second end such as threads, brazing, press fit, structural adhesive or the like, as shown in FIGURES 4 and 8 are connected on the first end to the body 20 with attaching means 38. This nozzle 36 is shown best in FIGURE 4 completely removed from the invention and in cross-section in FIGURE 8. The second end defines an orifice through which the fluid passes. The nozzle 36 may also be integral with the body 20 with a portion of the outlet end defining an orifice through which the fluid passes as best illustrated in FIGURE 9. In another embodiment, also depicted in FIGURE 4, a separate orifice 40 having a specific internal shape is disposed within the nozzle 36 and allows the fluid flow field to disperse in a ran or other specific pat¬ tern. The connection means between the orifice 40 and the nozzle 36 is also optional, such as threads, press fit, or epoxy bonding. As also shown in FIGURE 4, an arm 42 is permanently affixed to the nozzle 36 and angularly projects from the second nozzle end. This arm 42 has an upwardly extending pivotal member 44, in parallel alignment with the orifice. The arm 42 may be flat on both sides or may be radial on the underside and flat on the top, or any other convenient shape or con- figuration. The arm 42 may be in a single unitary form, such as depicted in FIGURE 1, or may be made in two adjustably connected pieces attached together with a threaded fastener, or the like, allowing angular align¬ ment. This embodiment is shown in FIGURES 6 and 8. Another embodiment is shown in FIGURE 9 wherein the arm 42 is permanently connected to the outlet end of the body 20 with a threaded fastener or the like. The arm 42 may also be attached to the connecting sleeve 24. A torque dispersal plate 46 shown in FIGURES 1, 6 and 8 having a fore end and an aft end, is disposed upon the pivotal member 44 in a swivel manner. The fore end is in front of the member 44 and the aft end is located therebehind. This plate 46 intercepts the flow of fluid from the nozzle 36 and changes the flow direction and disperses the flowpath into a fan-like pattern. One end of the plate 46, with respect to its interface with the pivotal member, has a greater length and mass than the other end, the greater length and mass being on the aft end. A roughened surface on each side parallel to the pivotal member 44 creates frictional backup of fluid upon the surface when a flow of fluid is impinged there¬ upon. This fluid backing ensures greater fluid impact force on the fore plate because the plate se&ks a center position rather than a plate stop position. Further, at least one or both sides may be altered to create changes in torque and flow fan pattern when fluid is impinged thereon. This change- may be in the altered form of grooves, as depicted in FIGURE 1 or etched, latticed, sandblasted, stippled, cut knurled, or the like. FIGURE 5 illustrates another embodiment of the plate 46 with the addition of a member to flare the aft end wider to produce an increased amount of aft end torque on the plate 46 when a fluid is impinged on the surface. This reduces the amount of force to swivel the plate as explained later herein. FIGURES 8 and 10 also depict yet another embodiment with an integral flare for the same objective, the configuration deviates slightly, indicating that the principles remain constant, but the shapes may vary and still remain within the scope of the invention. In order to limit the swivel travel of the torque dispersal plate 46, plate stop means are utilized and are attached in some manner to the arm 42 within fixed limits. Of many possibilities two plate stop means are illustrated pictorially in FIGURES 1 and 7. One embodi¬ ment includes a sliding adjustable "C" shaped clamp 48 engaging two sides of the arm 42 creating an interference with the movement of the plate 46. Adjustment is made by loosening a fastener 50 on the underside of the clamp and sliding the desired direction and retightening. Another stop reversal means is depicted in FIGURES 8 and 10 and utilizes a stop 62 mounted upon the arm 42 between the end and the pivotal member 44 engaging a hollow surface between the flare ends of the plate 46, thereby limiting -he rotational capabilities to a given arc governed by the configuration of the plate 46 and location of the stop 62 in relation to the member 44. Springs 58 or 60 may be used in conjunction with the above plate stop means. They are not only stop means but also tension means that function to limit the impact of the plate striking the swivel stop thereby preventing undesirable oscillations of the plate about the pivotal member. Another purpose of such springs is that they return the torque plate 46 to near mid- position between the stops when fluid flow is turned off, thereby eliminating the possibility of "hangup" on the reverser arm upon system startup. FIGURES 1, 6, 8 and 13 illustrate the addition of a flow restrictor 64 which is adjustably secured within the body 20. This restrictor consists of a threaded screw, or the like, with one end having either a flat or pointed end and the other, means to make an adjustment, such as a hexagonal socket. This restrictor 64 functions to limit the amount of fluid that flows within each system when more than one is used simultaneously. This compensates for the line losses in the pipes connected in between, allowing all of the systems to utilize the same volume of flow. Adjustment is made from the out- side and the amount of penetration governs the restriction. A series of countersunk holes 52 may be included in the arm 42 to adjust the pivotal member 44 along the arm 42. A preferred method not illustrated is incorporation of pivot member 44 on a plate which by means of a friction clamp may be adjusted along the arm 42 as desired. In operation, the apparatus is connected by the union 32 to a coupling on a conventional water pipe or a portable base commercially available for a sprinkler head. When energized, assuming a near neutral position of plate 46, the fluid flow leaves the nozzle 36 and impacts first upon the fore section of plate 46, and then makes contact with the aft sections of plate 46. The impact force between the fluid flow and the fore section of plate 46 causes a change in fluid flow direction thereby causing a relatively large swivel torque of plate 46 about the pivotal member 44. As the luid flow contacts the aft section of plate 46, an opposed but smaller swivel torque occurs in the aft section of plate 46 about the pivotal member 44. This smaller aft plate turning torque is due to the fact that most of the fluid flow direction change occurs in the fore section of plate 46. As a result, plate 46 is driven into pressure contact with one of its stop members 48. The resultant turning torque in arm 42 causes the arm to rotate until the body 20 or nozzle 36 is arrested by reverser 34. At this point the kinetic energy stored in plate 46 as a result of its rotational travel on the arm 42 causes plate 46, because of the greater mass and length of its aft section, as compared to its fore section, to swivel to its opposite swivel stop 48. This reversal of plate 46 between its two stop positions results in automatic rotational reversal of arm 42 and the fluid flow. In addition to the above function, a reversal force is concurrently provided because the reverser 34 protrudes into the water flow out of the nozzle 36 so as to change momentarily, the direction of the flow at the reverser position. Therefore, the contact between the fluid flow and the plate is entirely or nearly entirely limited to the aft end of plate 46. This also causes plate 46 to swivel to its opposite stop position causing rotational reversal of the arm 42 and its fluid flow. The second embodiment is much like the first except it is simplified. This embodiment is pictorially illustrated in FIGURES 11 through 13 and differs in that the torque plate 46 is fixed eliminating the need of plate stops 48 and since this is a non-reversing system, stop reversers 34 are also excluded. In this embodiment, the torque plate 46 is attached to the arm 42 with secur¬ ing means 45 such as screws, rivet pins and the like, as shown in FIGURES 11 through 13. There may be one fastener or a plurality as illustrated in FIGURE 11. The connection between the plate 46 and arm 42 may also include a slot in one of the holes for adjustment or if a screw is used this angular positioning may be accomp¬ lished singularly. As in the preferred embodiment, the arm 42 is an integral part of the nozzle 35 as shown in FIGURE 13 or may be attached directly to the body 20 as illustrated in FIGURE 9. The nozzle means 36 is the same as the preferred embodiment including an optional separate orifice 40 and, contains a restrictor 64 as shown in FIGURE 13. This second embodiment also contains a hollow straight connectr ing sleeve 24 and a hollow union 32, however, as stop reversers are not required this sleeve and union may be slightly shorter in length as no connecting surface is required. In the operation of this non-reversing system, the fluid flow leaves the nozzle 36 and impacts on the plate 46 causing a change in fluid flow direction into the desired flow dispersal pattern as governed by the angle of the plate 46. Simultaneously, the momentum of the flowing fluid while changed in direction, is transmitted to the arm in the form of a dynamic force and as the body 20 is attached to the arm, it is free to rotate upon the connecting sleeve 24 within the union 32. This rotation continues as long as the fluid force is maintained. The application for this embodiment is where a continued rotational flow pattern is desired as in agricultural locations or large areas such as golf courses and the like. The simplified system is obviously cost effective as a number of components are eliminated and therefore is indicative of the basic concept of the use of a flat plate whose interaction with a fluid flow generates both rotational torque and desirable dispersal of said fluid flow. While the invention has been described in complete detail and pictorially shown in the accompanying draw- ings, it is not to be limited to such details, since many changes and modifications may be in the invention without departing from the spirit and the scope thereof. Hence, it is described to cover any and all modifications and forms which may come within the language and scope the claims. In particular it will be noted that the generic common denominator in all embodiments of this invention is the use of a simple plate to generate rotational motivation of a concentrated fluid flow source and desirable transformation of concentrated fluid flow into a desirable vertical or nearly vertical pattern.

Claims: CLAIMS 1. A fluid flow system for dispensing a flow of fluid comprising: (a) body means for transmitting fluid within, (b) means to rotatably connect body to said fluid flow, for attachment therewith, (c) nozzle means joined to said body means defin¬ ing an orifice through which fluid passes, (d) arm extension means rigidably disposed in parallel alignment with said nozzle means pro¬ viding a mounting surface remote from said nozzle, and (e) torque plate means attached upon said arm extension means defining a surface upon which said fluid impinges after leaving said nozzle means interrupting the fluid flow so as to change flow direction and to disperse the flow- path into a fan-like pattern and generate a turning torque. 2. The invention as recited in claim 1 further comprising: (a) said arm is permanently affixed to and angularly projecting from said nozzle means, further having an upwardly extending pivotal member aligned parallel with said nozzle means, (b) said torque plate means further having a fore end and an aft end with the plate means disposed upon said pivotal member, said fore J end in front of said member and said aft end therebehind said fore end intercepting said fluid flow causing a change in flow direction, said plate dispersing the flow path into a fan-like pattern, (c) plate stop means joined to said arm for limiting the swivel travel of said torque plate means attached upon said pivotal member, when said flow of fluid impacts thereupon, and, (d) a pair of adjustable reversers intimately embracing said rotatably connecting means and projecting outwardly distal to the inlet end of said body tangentially aligned therewith for confining rotational movement of said body means. 3. The invention as recited in claim 1 wherein said means to rotatably connect said body to said fluid flow further comprises: (a) a hollow straight connecting sleeve with connecting means on one end and a flange having a gasket on the other, said sleeve connected to the inlet end of said body means for extending the body creating a straight tubular section be¬ tween the body and the flange, and (b) a hollow union having connecting means on the outside of one end and flats in the middle rotatably retained upon said sleeve straight tubular section allowing rotation thereupon while maintaining a hydraulic seal between said flange retained gasket and the connection means of said union to an external fluid source. 4. The invention as recited in claim 1 further comprising: a separate orifice having a specific internal shape disposed within said nozzle means for creating a fluid flow field of a specific pattern. 5. The invention as recited in claim 1 wherein said torque plate means further comprises: plate member rotatably joined to said arm extension means and so configured as to be in rotating adjustable alignment with said fluid flow and of such a shape as to diffuse the flow into said fan-like pattern. 6. The invention as recited in claim 1 further comprising: a restrictor adjustably secured within said body means for limiting the amount of fluid flow within when said system is used in concert, allowing the plurality of systems to be balanced in respect to a line loss of flow when connected therebetween. 7. A fluid flow system for dispersing a flow of fluid comprising: (a) an angular body having an internal passage¬ way therethrough with connection means on the inlet and outlet end for transmitting fluid within, (b) a hollow straight connecting sleeve with connecting means on one end and a flange having a gasket on the other, said sleeve connected to the inlet end of said body for extending the body creating a straight tubular section be¬ tween the body and the flange, (c) a hollow union having a method of attachment on the outside of one end and a plurality of grooves on the other with flats therebetween rotatably retained upon said sleeve straight tubular section allowing rotation thereupon while maintaining a hydraulic seal between said flange retained gasket and the attaching end of said union, (d) a pair of adjustable reversers intimately embracing the grooves on said union and project¬ ing outwardly distal to the outlet nozzle end of said body tangentially aligned therewith for confining the rotational movement of the body in relation to said union, (e) nozzle means defining an orifice through - which said fluid passes in a controlled con¬ figuration. (f) an arm angularly projecting from said body having an upwardly extending pivotal member aligned parallel with said nozzle, (g) a torque dispersal plate having a fore end and an aft end disposed upon said pivotal member, said fore end in front of said member and said aft end therebehind said plate intercepting said fluid flow, so as to change the flow direction and disperse the flowpath into a fan-like pat¬ tern, also generating arm turning torque, (h) plate stop means joined to said arm for limit¬ ing the swivel travel of said torque dispersal plate attached upon said pivotal member within fixed limits , when said flow of fluid leaves said nozzle means it first impacts upon the fore end of said plate and also the aft end causing swivel torque about the axis of said pivotal member simultaneously, a lesser torque occurs in the aft section; as a result, said plate is driven by said swivel torque into pressure contact with said plate stops means, and, (i) reverser means for physical stopping arm rotation by arm turning torque, causing said plate to swivel to its opposite plate stop, due to kinetic energy stored in its aft section exceeding that stored in its. fore section, with swivel action reversing said arm turning torque and direction of said arm and fluid flow rota¬ tion, a further reversal force is also provided as reverser protrudes into said fluid flow changing momentarily the angle of the flow out of the nozzle orifice so that fluid impact at the fore end of plate is largely shifted to the aft end of the plate causing the plate to swivel to its opposite stop whereupon arm and fluid flow rotation reverses. 3513 l g 8. The invention as recited in claim 7 wherein said reverser further comprises: a metallic sheet ribbon shape having a retaining loop on one end and an angular flange on the other, the loop initimately embracing said groove of said union in an adjustable manner. 9. The invention as recited in claim 7 wherein said nozzle means further comprises: a separate orifice having a specific internal shape disposed within said nozzle for creating a fluid flow field of a specific pattern such as a vertical flow pattern. 10. The invention as recited in claim 7 wherein said torque dispersal plate further comprises: a roughened surface on each side parallel to said pivotal member for creating a backward shift of fluid flow thereupon increasing the amount of fluid flow impact on the fore end of said plate. 11. The invention as recited in claim 7 wherein said torque dispersal plate further comprises: at least one end of the plate with respect to its interface with the pivotal member has a greater mass than the other end. 12. The invention as recited in claim 7 wherein said torque dispersal plate further comprises: at least one end of the plate with respect to J its interface wherethe pivotal member has a greater length than the other end. 13. The invention as recited in claim 7 wherein said torque dispersal plate further comprises: at least a portion of said aft end flared wider to produce an increased amount of aft torque. 14. The invention as recited in claim 7 wherein said plate stop means further comprises: a sliding adjustable frictional clamp engaging two sides of said arm creating an interference with the movement of said plate limiting the swivel of the plate. 15. The invention as recited in claim 7 wherein said plate stop me^ s further comprises: a stop mounted upon said arm in between the end of said arm and said pivotal member con¬ tiguously engaging the plate limiting rotation thereof. 16. The invention as recited in claim 7 wherein said arm further comprises: two pieces adjustably connected together allowing angular alignment thereof. 17. The invention as recited in claim 7 further comprising: a restrictor adjustably secured within said body for limiting the amount of fluid flow within the body when said system is used in concert allowing the plurality of systems to be balanced in respect to a line loss of flow when connected therebetween. 03513 18. The invention as recited in claim 7 further comprising: tension means yieldably attached from said torque plate to said arm to prevent undesirable oscillations about said pivotal member and to position said torque plate in the middle of said arm when said fluid flow is not present, and to provide torque plate stop means. 19. The invention as recited in claim 7 wherein said nozzle means further comprises: a first and a second end with attaching means on the first end and an opening there¬ through joined to said body on the second end defining an orifice through which said fluid passes. 20. The invention as recited in claim 7 wherein said nozzle means further comprises: a portion of the outlet end of said angular body defining an orifice through which said fluid passes. 21. The invention as recited in claim 7 wherein said arm further comprises: a permanent connection integral with said nozzle means. 22. The invention as recited in claim 7 wherein said arm further comprises; a permanent connection to the outlet end of said body in such a manner as to maintain parallel alignment with said nozzle. 23. The invention as recited in claim 7 wherein said arm is connected by an attaching means to said connecting sleeve.

Inventors: FULLER FRANK J, FULLER, FRANK, J.
Applicants: FULLER FRANK J, FULLER, FRANK, J.
Application year: 1985
Main classification: B05B3
IPC codes: B05B3