Abstract:
One or more techniques and/or systems are disclosed for a water monitor with a stationary fluid inlet. A movable portion has a first piece rotatably coupled to the stationary portion and a second piece rotatably coupled to the first piece. The second piece has an inlet portion that extends through a second end of the first piece. The second piece couples with a power transmission disposed on a first side of the first piece, and couples with the first piece at a second side of the first piece. In this way, the power transmission can remain outside a path of fluid flow, and may be able to apply rotational force to the second piece to alter an elevation of the fluid outlet in the second piece.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is a continuation of, and claims priority to, U.S. Ser. No. 14/200,589, entitled POSITIONABLE OUTLET FOR A WATER MONITOR, filed Mar. 7, 2014; which is a continuation of, and claims priority to, U.S. Ser. No. 13/921,696, filed Jun. 19, 2013, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,678,022; which claims priority to U.S. provisional application No. 61/663,526, filed Jun. 22, 2012; all of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    Water monitors, also referred to as “water turrets,” “water cannons,” “fire-fighting monitors,” “fluid monitors,” “monitors” and the like are used to manually or automatically distribute high-pressure streams of foam, water, water-based foam and fire retardants over an area determined by the amount of fluid pressure, the angle of elevation of the water monitor, its arc of azimuthal oscillation, its speed of azimuthal oscillation and its pattern of azimuthal oscillation. Water monitors are primarily used to extinguish fire hazards, although other uses may include fire prevention, irrigation, crowd control, and water-cooling of objects. 
         [0003]    Water monitors are often configured with a fluid input portion that is fixed, stationary or otherwise non-moving (hereafter generally “stationary” herein) with respect to a fluid output portion. The fluid output portion is usually movable and is positionable to a select azimuth and/or elevation. Such water monitors typically utilize one or more electric motors and reduction-gear assemblies (hereafter “gearboxes”) to convert a relatively high-speed, low-torque output of the motors to a relatively low-speed, higher-torque force for moving a fluid outlet of the water monitor to a select position. 
         [0004]    Positionable water monitors are usually configured with ball bearings interposed between the stationary portion and the movable fluid outlet elbow to reduce rotational friction between these components and to support radial and axial loads exerted upon the movable portion. A pair of races are utilized to contain a plurality of balls and to transmit the loads through the balls, one race being formed in the stationary portion and a facially adjacent race being formed in the rotatable portion. As the race in the rotatable portion moves it causes the balls to rotate as well. Because the balls are rolling they have a lower coefficient of friction than if two flat surfaces were rotating upon each other. 
         [0005]    A significant drawback of this arrangement is that fluids flowing through the water monitor at high pressure exert a separating force upon the bearings. This separating force adds to the mechanical load imposed upon the aforementioned electric motors and gearboxes, and can result in excess component wear and reduced service life for these components. 
         [0006]    Utilizing electric motors and gearboxes rated for higher loads may be utilized to counter this problem, but such an approach requires components that are more expensive, physically larger, and have greater weight when compared to electric motors and gearboxes designed for smaller loads. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0007]    This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key factors or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter. 
         [0008]    As provided herein, a water monitor having a positionable fluid outlet is disclosed according to an embodiment of the present invention. The water monitor includes a stationary portion having a fluid inlet and a movable portion that is rotatably coupled to the stationary portion, the movable portion having a fluid outlet. A gearbox interposed between the stationary portion and the movable portion converts a relatively high-speed, low-torque rotary motion from an electric motor to a relatively low-speed, higher-torque output. The gearbox is placed outside a fluid flow path extending between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet of the water monitor. The water monitor utilizes a minimal number of bends in the fluid flow path, thereby reducing pressure drops in the fluid flow due to the bends, while also achieving a relatively compact size for the water monitor. 
         [0009]    In one implementation, a water monitor includes a stationary portion having a fluid inlet. A movable portion having a fluid outlet is coupled to the stationary portion. A fluid flow path extends between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet, and is configured to communicate fluids from the fluid inlet to the fluid outlet. A power transmission is coupled to the movable portion such that the fluid flow path does not extend through (i.e., “bypasses”) the power transmission. The movable portion is rotatable with respect to the stationary portion to position the fluid outlet. 
         [0010]    To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, the following description and annexed drawings set forth certain illustrative aspects and implementations. These are indicative of but a few of the various ways in which one or more aspects may be employed. Other aspects, advantages and novel features of the disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the annexed drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0011]    What is disclosed herein may take physical form in certain parts and arrangement of parts, and will be described in detail in this specification and illustrated in the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof and wherein: 
           [0012]      FIG. 1  is a schematic diagram of a prior art water monitor; 
           [0013]      FIG. 2  is a schematic diagram of another prior art water monitor; 
           [0014]      FIG. 3  is a schematic diagram of a water monitor according to an implementation of one or more systems described herein; 
           [0015]      FIG. 4  is a schematic diagram of a water monitor according to another implementation of one or more systems described herein; 
           [0016]      FIG. 5  is a schematic diagram of a water monitor according to yet another implementation of one or more systems described herein; 
           [0017]      FIG. 6  is a schematic diagram of a water monitor according to still another implementation of one or more systems described herein; 
           [0018]      FIG. 7  is a schematic diagram of a water monitor according to yet another implementation of one or more systems described herein; 
           [0019]      FIG. 8  is a sectional representation of a portion of a prior art water monitor; 
           [0020]      FIG. 9  is a sectional representation of a portion of a water monitor according to an implementation of one or more portions of one or more systems described herein; 
           [0021]      FIG. 10  is a sectional representation of a portion of a water monitor according to an implementation of one or more portions of one or more systems described herein; 
           [0022]      FIGS. 11A, 11B, 11C, 11D and 11E  are views of an implementation of one or more portions of one or more systems described herein; 
           [0023]      FIGS. 12A, 12B and 12C  are top, side and end views respectively of an implementation of one or more portions of one or more systems described herein; 
           [0024]      FIGS. 13A, 13B and 13C  are views in section showing rotation of an implementation of one or more portions of one or more systems described herein; 
           [0025]      FIGS. 14A and 14  B are views in section of an implementation of one or more portions of one or more systems described herein; and 
           [0026]      FIG. 15  is an exploded view of a water monitor according to an implementation of one or more portions of one or more systems described herein. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0027]    The claimed subject matter is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are generally used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the claimed subject matter. It may be evident, however, that the claimed subject matter may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, structures and devices may be shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate describing the claimed subject matter. 
         [0028]    In the discussion that follows, like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements and structures in the various figures and embodiments of the present invention. 
         [0029]    A schematic block diagram of a prior art water monitor  10  is shown in  FIG. 1 . Water monitor  10  comprises a stationary portion  12  (i.e., stationary with respect to elevational movement) and a fluid inlet  14 . A movable portion  16  (i.e., movable with respect to elevational movement) is rotatably coupled to the stationary portion, the movable portion having a fluid outlet  18 . 
         [0030]    A rotating joint  20 , which allows fluid outlet  18  to be selectably positioned in the elevation direction, is made up of a gearbox  22 , one or more bearings  24 , and one or more seals  26 . Rotating joint  20  is oriented perpendicularly to fluid outlet  18  so that the fluid outlet is positionable about an elevational arc. 
         [0031]    Gearbox  22 , which is interposed between stationary portion  12  and movable portion  16 , converts a relatively high-speed, low-torque rotary motion from an electric motor  28  to a relatively low-speed, higher-torque output. In operation, rotary motion from an output  30  of motor  28  is converted to a relatively low-speed, higher-torque output by gearbox  22 . The output of gearbox  22  is coupled to movable portion  16  such that actuating motor  28  causes the movable portion to rotate with respect to stationary portion  12 , thereby moving fluid outlet  18  to a select elevational position. 
         [0032]    Gearbox  22  typically comprises a worm gear and a worm wheel  32  for speed reduction and torque amplification, the worm wheel being situated in a fluid flow path or “waterway”  34  (represented by block arrows in  FIG. 1 ) extending between fluid inlet  14  and fluid outlet  18  such that fluid flowing in the fluid flow path passes through an open center  36  of worm wheel  32 . Water monitor  10  suffers from undesirable pressure drop from fluid inlet  14  to fluid outlet  18  due to restrictions presented by the open center  36  of worm wheel  32 . Further restrictions to fluid flow in fluid flow path  34  are due to the number of bends in waterway  34  needed to achieve a relatively compact package size for the water monitor, the bends being shown as right angles in the block arrows of  FIG. 1  and labeled with encircled numbers  1  through  6 . 
         [0033]    In order for the movable portion  16  to rotate with respect to elevation, the rotating elevation joint  20  and thus, waterway  34 , must be perpendicular to the fluid outlet  18  orientation direction. Therefore, waterway  34  is turned unnecessarily between bend  1  and bend  3  to accommodate the rotating joint  20 , which comprises the aforementioned gearbox  22 , bearings  24 , and seal  26 . 
         [0034]    It is desirable that a water monitor be provided in as small a package as possible, to conserve space on fire-fighting equipment and to maximize the portability of the water monitor. Accordingly, a minimal distance from the left side of the water monitor to the right side of the water monitor  10  is desirable in order for the water monitor to fit into tight spaces (e.g., between the rails of a fire-fighting ladder), especially as movable portion  16  is rotated. Accordingly, bends  1 ,  2  and  3  are utilized to position rotating joint  20  such that worm wheel  32  is generally centered in water monitor  10  to make relatively efficient use of space for a compact water monitor. However, this results in the aforementioned drawbacks with regard to pressure drop in the water monitor. 
         [0035]    An alternate prior art water monitor  50  is shown in  FIG. 2 . In this arrangement bends  1  and  2  of water monitor  10  are eliminated by moving bends  4  and  5  to the right. This eliminates some undesirable pressure drop in water monitor  50  as compared to water monitor  10 . However, the arrangement of water monitor  50  requires an undesirably large envelope for packaging the water monitor. 
         [0036]    A schematic block diagram of a water monitor  100  is shown in  FIG. 3  according to an embodiment of the present invention. Water monitor  100  comprises a stationary portion  102  (i.e., stationary with respect to elevational movement) having a fluid inlet  104 . A movable portion  106  (i.e., movable with respect to elevational movement) is rotatably coupled to the stationary portion  102 , the movable portion  106  having a fluid outlet  108 . 
         [0037]    A rotating joint  110 , which allows fluid outlet  108  to be positioned about an elevational axis, comprises a power transmission in the form of a gearbox  112 , one or more bearings  114 , and one or more seals  116 . Rotating joint  110  is preferably oriented generally perpendicularly to fluid outlet  108  so that the fluid outlet is positionable about the aforementioned elevational arc. 
         [0038]    Gearbox  112  is coupled between stationary portion  102  and movable portion  106 , and converts a relatively high-speed, low-torque rotary motion from an electric motor  118  to a relatively low-speed, higher-torque output. In operation, rotary motion from an output  120  of motor  118  is converted to a relatively low-speed, higher-torque output by gearbox  112 . The output of gearbox  112  is coupled to movable portion  106  such that actuating motor  118  causes the movable portion to rotate with respect to stationary portion  102 , thereby moving fluid outlet  108  to a select position. 
         [0039]    As noted above, gearbox  112  provides speed reduction and torque amplification of a motive force, such as an electric motor, similar to gearbox  22  of water monitor  10 . However, unlike the configuration of water monitor  10 , gearbox  112  is placed outside a fluid flow path  124  (represented by block arrows in  FIG. 3 ) extending between fluid inlet  104  and fluid outlet  108  and configured to communicate fluids from the fluid inlet to the fluid outlet. Accordingly, gearbox  112  is coupled to movable portion  106  such that fluid flow path  124  does not extend through (i.e., “bypasses”) the gearbox. 
         [0040]    Although prior art water monitor  10  has a relatively compact package size it suffers from relatively high friction loss, resulting in an undesirable pressure drop between fluid inlet  14  and fluid outlet  18 . Prior art water monitor  50  has less friction loss and pressure drop than water monitor  10 , but has as a drawback a larger package size than water monitor  10 . In contrast, water monitor  100  of the present invention may include a reduced number of bends in comparison to water monitor  10  while achieving a relatively compact size, the bends being shown as encircled numbers  1  through  4  of the block arrows in  FIG. 3 . A reduction in the number of bends in water monitor  100  results in less friction loss and reduced pressure drop in fluid flow path  124  between fluid inlet  104  and fluid outlet  108  in comparison to the pressure drops present in fluid flow path  34  of water monitor  10 , which has a greater number of bends. In one embodiment, the fluid flow path  124  has no more than four bends. In addition, water monitor  100  has a package size that is smaller than water monitor  50  and is comparable in package size to water monitor  10 . 
         [0041]    In the arrangement of  FIG. 3  a connector  122  may be utilized to couple gearbox  112  to movable portion  106 . A first bearing  114 , numbered  114 - 1 , may be placed intermediate gearbox  112  and movable portion  106 . First bearing  114 - 1  is preferably relatively small in physical size in order to reduce the overall package size of water monitor  100 . However, a relatively large amount of torque transmitted to first bearing  114 - 1  by a worm gear/worm wheel  126  of gearbox  112  must be transmitted through the relatively small diameter of the first bearing. This makes the design of a robust connector  122  coupled between the worm gear/worm wheel  126  to movable portion  106  somewhat difficult because the connection is made through a relatively small diameter at first bearing  114 - 1 , resulting in a relatively high force concentration at the first bearing. A larger bearing could be utilized for first bearing  114 - 1 , but such bearings are not always readily available. Likewise, a relatively large bearing is preferable for an optional second bearing  114 , numbered  114 - 2  in  FIG. 3 , as fluid flow path  124  passes through the center of this bearing. Specially-constructed, relatively large bearings, while feasible, are more expensive due to the inherently smaller production volumes for such components. Specially-constructed bearings are also potentially less robust because the manufacturing advantages of large volumes cannot always be utilized (e.g. hardening, grinding, etc.). 
         [0042]    A water monitor  200  is shown in  FIG. 4  according to another embodiment of the present invention. In this arrangement a connector  122  configured to couple a gearbox  112  to a movable portion  106  extends through the gearbox. A first bearing  114 , numbered  114 - 1 , is placed on the opposite side of gearbox  112  with respect to the arrangement of first bearing  114 - 1  of  FIG. 3 , such that the gearbox is intermediate the first bearing and movable portion  106 . A second bearing  114 , numbered  114 - 2 , is configured such that a fluid flow path  124  extends through the second bearing. 
         [0043]    The arrangement of  FIG. 4  can accommodate a physically smaller first bearing  114 - 1  than the arrangement of  FIG. 3  because it allows the output of the worm gear/worm wheel  126  of gearbox  112  to be connected to movable portion  106  with a relatively large-diameter connector  122  without having to pass through a physically small bearing. Movable portion  106  preferably has sufficient rigidity to deter high deflections due to forces generated as a reaction force at a fluid outlet  108  of the movable portion due to forces generated by a worm gear of a worm gear/worm wheel  126  of gearbox  112 . 
         [0044]    A water monitor  300  is shown in  FIG. 5  according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. In this arrangement a worm gear/worm wheel  126  is placed on the opposite end of a rotating joint  110  with respect to the configurations of  FIGS. 3 and 4 . A connector  122  is configured to couple a gearbox  112  to a movable portion  106 . A first bearing  114 , numbered  114 - 1 , is intermediate gearbox  112  and movable portion  106 . A second bearing  114 , numbered  114 - 2 , is configured such that a fluid flow path  124  does not extend through (i.e., “bypasses”) the second bearing. 
         [0045]    With continued reference to  FIG. 5 , a length “L” is the distance from the center of a rotating joint  110  to a fluid outlet  108  of movable portion  106 . Typically, a nozzle (not shown) is attached to fluid outlet  108 . Such nozzles typically have a significant weight associated with structural reinforcements made to withstand the forces that are present when fluid is flowing through the water monitor. This weight, multiplied by length “L,” creates a lifting moment that gearbox  112  and a motor  118 , driving the gearbox, must overcome. If the length “L” is shortened, the lifting moment required to be overcome is lowered and therefore, the torque required of gearbox  112  and motor  118  is reduced. However, gearbox  112  can be more complex to package in this arrangement due to the need to provide support structure for gearbox  112 , bearings  114 , any seals  116 , and motor  118 . 
         [0046]    A slight re-arrangement of water monitor  300  is schematically depicted in  FIG. 6  as water monitor  400 . Water monitor  400  is configured such that a first bearing  114 , numbered  114 - 1 , is placed on the opposite side of a gearbox  112  with respect to the arrangement of first bearing  114 - 1  of  FIG. 5  such that the gearbox is intermediate the first bearing and a movable portion  106 . A connector  122  configured to couple gearbox  112  to movable portion  106  extends through the gearbox. A second bearing  114 , numbered  114 - 2 , is configured such that a fluid flow path  124  does not extend through (i.e., “bypasses”) the second bearing. 
         [0047]    The arrangement of  FIG. 6  combines the advantages of water monitor  300  (e.g., a relatively short length “L” resulting in a lower lifting moment) with the advantages of water monitor  200  (e.g., a relatively large worm gear/worm wheel  126  and connector  122  from gearbox  112  to movable portion  106 ). Movable portion  106  preferably is designed to have sufficient rigidity to deter high deflections due to forces generated as a reaction force at fluid outlet  108  and due to forces generated by worm gear/worm wheel  126 . 
         [0048]    A water monitor  500  is shown in  FIG. 7  according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. In this arrangement a connector  122  configured to couple a gearbox  112  to a movable portion  106  extends through the gearbox. A first bearing  114 , numbered  1141 , is arranged such that gearbox  112  is intermediate the first bearing and movable portion  106 . A fluid flow path  124  is divided into two smaller, generally equal paths numbered  124 - 1  and  124 - 2 . Moveable portion  106  includes a pair of intakes  128 , numbered  128 - 1  and  128 - 2 , for fluid flowing in fluid flow paths  124 - 1 ,  124 - 2  respectively to enter the moveable portion. The two smaller fluid flow paths  124 - 1 ,  124 - 2  join one another to form a fluid flow path  130  once they have passed through joint  110  and entered moveable portion  106 . A second bearing  114 , numbered  114 - 2 , is coupled to a bearing support  131 . Second bearing  114 - 2  is preferably configured such that fluid flow path  124  does not extend through (i.e., “bypasses”) the second bearing. 
         [0049]    An advantage of water monitor  500  is that the forces acting on moveable portion  106  due to the change of momentum of fluid flowing in fluid flow paths  124 - 1 ,  124 - 2  and pressure acting on elevation joint  110  are generally equal and opposite, and therefore, substantially cancel one other. Accordingly, the torque required of a motor  118  and gearbox  112  to position an outlet  108  is greatly reduced. 
         [0050]    With reference to  FIG. 8 , fluid flow path  34  of prior art water monitor  10  typically comprises one or more bearings  24  and seals  26  interposed between stationary portion  12  and movable portion  16 . A significant drawback of this arrangement is that fluid  38  (represented as block arrows in  FIG. 8 ) flowing along fluid flow path  34  at high pressure exerts opposing separating forces F 1 , F 2  between the stationary and movable portions  12 ,  16  respectively, thereby increasing the load imposed upon bearings  24 . This increased bearing load adds to the mechanical load imposed upon gearbox  22  and electric motor  28  ( FIG. 1 ), and can result in increased wear and reduced service life for the bearings, motor, and gearbox components. 
         [0051]    With reference to  FIGS. 3 and 9  together, water monitor  100  may include a stationary portion  102  having a fluid inlet  104 , a first portion of a fluid flow path  124  extending therethrough, and one or more first interfaces  132 . A movable portion  106  includes a second portion of fluid flow path  124  extending therethrough, a fluid outlet  108 , and one or more second interfaces  134 . Corresponding first and second interfaces  132 ,  134  respectively are each rotatably coupled together by a bearing  114 , first and second bearings being numbered  114 - 1  and  114 - 2  respectively. One or more seals  116  intermediate corresponding first and second interfaces  132 ,  134  respectively provides a barrier to deter fluid flowing in fluid flow path  124  from escaping. Movable portion  106  is rotatable with respect to stationary portion  102  to position fluid outlet  108 . In addition, fluid inlet  104 , fluid flow path  124 , and fluid outlet  108  are each in communication with one another and are configured to conduct fluids therethrough. 
         [0052]    With continued reference to  FIG. 9 , in contrast to water monitor  10  of  FIG. 8 , water monitor  100  includes a “force-balanced” arrangement comprising a piece  136 . The force applied to first and second bearings  114 - 1  and  114 - 2  respectively due to the water pressure F 1 , F 2  of fluid  138  (represented by block arrows in  FIG. 9 ) acting on a projected diameter “D” on opposite sides of fluid flow path  124  in piece  136  is minimal. Ideally, this force is nearly zero if the diameters of seals  116 , first and second seals being numbered  116 - 1 ,  116 - 2  respectively, are equal (that is, the projected areas of both seals are equal). Typically, one seal is slightly smaller than the other seal for manufacturability to reduce the risk of cutting the seals during assembly. “Force-balanced” may also be termed “pressure-balanced” in the sense that a load applied to rotating joint  110  by the pressure of fluid  138  is balanced by a load pushing on the same member in the opposite direction. 
         [0053]    Piece  136  may be made as a unitary component. Alternatively, piece  136  may be made from separate components that are joined together. 
         [0054]    A slight variation on the arrangement of  FIG. 9  can be seen in  FIG. 10 . In  FIG. 10 , fluid  138  flowing along fluid path  124  at high pressure exerts opposing forces F 1 , F 2  on a piece  136  rather than exerting a separating force upon bearings  114 . When the fluid  138  flow turns at a bend or “elbow”  140  there is a force in the direction of F 2  due to the change in direction of the momentum of the fluid as it turns in the elbow to exit the elbow. The momentum change creates a force in the direction of F 2  which acts on movable portion  106  and creates a load on bearings  114 , a first bearing being numbered  114 - 1  and a second bearing being numbered  114 - 2 . The diameter of a first seal  116 , numbered  116 - 1 , may be increased relative to the diameter of a second seal  116 , numbered  116 - 2 , to counteract this change in the direction of momentum. By increasing the diameter of first seal  116 - 1 , the projected area upon which the water pressure is applied increases and, therefore, the force, F 1  acts in the opposite direction of a force F momentum  created by the change in momentum. F momentum  may be calculated using Equation 1, below: 
         [0000]        F   momentum   =ρQ (μ 2 −μ 1 )  Equation 1
 
         [0000]    where:
       ρ=Density of fluid  137     Q=Volumetric flow rate of fluid  138     μ 1 =Starting velocity of fluid  138  at input to piece  136     μ 2 =Final velocity of fluid  138  at output of (exit from) piece  136 .
 
The load applied to bearings  114 - 1  and  114 - 2  can be minimized by balancing F 1  and F momentum +F 2 . In other words:
       
 
         [0000]        F   1   =F   2   +F   momentum   Equation 2
 
         [0000]    where:
       F 1 =ρA 1      F 2 =ρA 1      ρ=Density of fluid  138     A 1 =Area inside first seal  116 - 1     A 2 =Area inside second seal  116 - 2 
 
The outside diameter of seals  116 - 1  and  116 - 2  may be utilized to calculate the area.
       
 
         [0064]    With reference to  FIGS. 9, 10 and 11A-11E , movable portion  106  is preferably configured to withstand the opposing forces F 1 , F 2  created from high pressure exerted on the unitary piece  106  by fluid  138 . An opening  142  in an inlet portion  145  of movable portion  106  is preferably is designed to have sufficient size to allow fluid  138  to enter movable portion  106  when fluid outlet  108  is rotated to a desired elevation position with minimal restriction to the fluid flow moving from stationary portion  102  into the movable portion. With reference to  FIGS. 11A-11E, 12A-12C, 13A-13C, 14A-14B and 15 , in one embodiment the movable portion  106  includes a first piece  135  rotatably coupled to the stationary portion  102  and a second piece  137  rotatably coupled to the first piece  135 . The first piece  135  includes a casing  141  configured as a conduit of fluid  138  as part of flow path  124 . Referring to  FIGS. 14A-14B , the casing  141  is configured to receive the inlet portion  145  of second piece  137 . Casing  141  includes two opposing sleeves  143 - 1 ,  143 - 2 . Inlet portion  145  is configured to extend through the first sleeve  143 - 1  and the second sleeve  143 - 2 . Second piece  137  is configured to rotatably couple to and seal against sleeves  143 - 1 ,  143 - 2 . Further, worm gear  126  of gearbox  112  (see also  FIG. 15 ) is an annular member configured to receive inlet portion  145  and to couple to the inlet portion adjacent first sleeve  143 - 1 . Connector  122  extends from an end of the second piece  137  and is configured to be coupled to annular worm gear  126  of gearbox  112  proximate the opening  142 . As can be seen from  FIG. 14B , connector  122  extends within the first piece  135  to the gearbox  112  of the power transmission. The connector  122  also includes an end portion  123  proximate the fluid path  124  at opening  142 . End portion  123  is configured to receive seal  116 - 1  and is rotatably coupled to sleeve  143 - 1 . The second piece  137  further includes a coupling  139  proximate the fluid path  124  at opening  142 , the coupling being spaced apart from end portion  123 . Coupling  139  is configured to receive seal  116 - 2  and is rotatably coupled to sleeve  143 - 2 . In one embodiment the coupling  139  is rotatably coupled to sleeve  143 - 2  at an angle of about 90 degrees relative to the fluid inlet  104  of the first piece  135 . 
         [0065]    With reference to  FIGS. 11A-11E, 13A-13C, and 14A-14B , a structural support  144  may be utilized in movable portion  106 . Structural support  144 , is a generally semi-circularly shaped structure proximate the fluid flow path  124 , and is preferably situated so that it does not significantly interfere with the flow of fluid  138  in fluid flow path at various positions selected for movable portion  106 . In one embodiment a periphery of the inlet portion  145  of second piece  137  includes structural support  144 , and the structural support extends from end portion  123  to coupling  139 . Structural support  144  also extends from a periphery  125  of the end portion  123  to a central region  127  of the end portion. 
         [0066]    In some embodiments of the present invention one or more rod-like structures may be positioned proximate fluid flow path  124 . For example, one or more tension rods  146  may be used in fluid flow path  124  to provide additional structural integrity to withstand the opposing forces Fi, F 2  that are applied to generate a tension “T” in movable portion  106 . By adding tension rods  146 , a larger opening  142  can be formed next to structural support  144 . This results in less restriction to fluid  138  flow when movable portion  106  (and thus outlet  108 ) is moved to its extreme positions. In one embodiment a periphery of the inlet portion  145  of second piece  137  includes one or more structural tension rods  146 , configured such that the tension rods extend from end portion  123  to coupling  139 . 
         [0067]    The general arrangement of an exemplary water monitor  100  is shown in  FIGS. 12A-12C, 13A-13C, 14A-14B and 15  according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown, portions  102 ,  106  of water monitor  100  may be made rotatable about an azimuth-adjustment axis, labeled an “X” axis and having a turning radius “TR” in the drawings, and movable portion  106  may be made further rotatable about an elevation-adjustment axis, labeled a “Y” axis in the drawings. During use of water monitor  100  the X-axis may be oriented generally horizontal while the Y-axis may be oriented generally vertical. However, this is not a requirement and other orientations of water monitor  100  are envisioned within the scope of the invention. 
         [0068]    As described herein, an electric motor  118  is utilized to position movable portion  106  about the Y-axis. However, one skilled in the art will appreciate that any suitable form of motive power may be substituted for electric motor  118  including, without limitation, water-powered motor drives, hydraulic drives, pneumatic actuators and manual hand wheels. 
         [0069]    One skilled in the art will also appreciate that the components of water monitor  100  may be rearranged to fit a particular need. For example, gearbox  112  and motor  118  may be moved to positions opposite that shown in the figures. Similarly, in an alternate embodiment a member may be extended from movable portion  106  to gearbox  112  through fluid flow path  124  to effect positioning of the movable portion by the gearbox. 
         [0070]    In some embodiments of the present invention sleeve-type bearings  114  may be utilized. With reference to  FIGS. 14A and 14B , a first sleeve bearing  114 - 1  is coupled to movable portion  106  and rides against stationary portion  102 . A second sleeve bearing  114 - 2  is assembled to movable portion  106  and likewise rides against stationary portion  102 . First sleeve bearing  114 - 1  may also be held captive by the worm wheel of worm gear/worm wheel  126  of gearbox  112 , as shown in  FIGS. 14A and 14B . Sleeve bearings  114 - 1 ,  114 - 2  are preferably made of a durable, self-lubricating material for long service life and low friction. 
         [0071]    Gearbox  112  is described herein as a worm-worm wheel arrangement for purposes of explanation. However, any suitable type of power transmission may be utilized within the scope of the invention. Example power transmissions include, without limitation, spur gears, planetary gears, pulleys and belts, pneumatic and hydraulic devices, and sprockets and chains in addition to a worm-worm wheel. 
         [0072]    The various components of water monitors  100 ,  200 ,  300 ,  400  and  500  may be formed using any suitable materials including, without limitation, metal, composites and plastic. In addition, the components of water monitors  100 ,  200 ,  300 ,  400  and  500  may be fabricated using any preferred processes such as, but not limited to, machining, casting, forging, molding and spinning. Furthermore, water monitors  100 ,  200 ,  300 ,  400  and  500  may be finished in any desired manner such as, but not limited to, painting, plating, dyes, molded-in colors, or may be left unfinished. 
         [0073]    The word “exemplary” is used herein to mean serving as an example, instance or illustration. Any aspect or design described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as advantageous over other aspects or designs. Rather, use of the word exemplary is intended to present concepts in a concrete fashion. As used in this application, the term “or” is intended to mean an inclusive “or” rather than an exclusive “or.” That is, unless specified otherwise, or clear from context, “X employs A or B” is intended to mean any of the natural inclusive permutations. That is, if X employs A; X employs B; or X employs both A and B, then “X employs A or B” is satisfied under any of the foregoing instances. Further, at least one of A and B and/or the like generally means A or B or both A and B. In addition, the articles “a” and “an” as used in this application and the appended claims may generally be construed to mean “one or more” unless specified otherwise or clear from context to be directed to a singular form. 
         [0074]    Although the subject matter has been described in language specific to structural features and/or methodological acts, it is to be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described above. Rather, the specific features and acts described above are disclosed as example forms of implementing the claims. Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, the appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment” or “in an embodiment” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. Of course, those skilled in the art will recognize many modifications may be made to this configuration without departing from the scope or spirit of the claimed subject matter. 
         [0075]    Also, although the disclosure has been shown and described with respect to one or more implementations, equivalent alterations and modifications will occur to others skilled in the art based upon a reading and understanding of this specification and the annexed drawings. The disclosure includes all such modifications and alterations and is limited only by the scope of the following claims. In particular regard to the various functions performed by the above described components (e.g., elements, resources, etc.), the terms used to describe such components are intended to correspond, unless otherwise indicated, to any component which performs the specified function of the described component (e.g., that is functionally equivalent), even though not structurally equivalent to the disclosed structure which performs the function in the herein illustrated exemplary implementations of the disclosure. 
         [0076]    In addition, while a particular feature of the disclosure may have been disclosed with respect to only one of several implementations, such feature may be combined with one or more other features of the other implementations as may be desired and advantageous for any given or particular application. Furthermore, to the extent that the terms “includes,” “having,” “has,” “with,” or variants thereof are used in either the detailed description or the claims, such terms are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising.”