Self-powered irrigation systems, generator systems and methods of controlling irrigation

US11990823B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Rain Bird Corporation · US

Inventors

• Michael J. Millius · Tucson, US
• Riccardo J. Tresso · Castle Rock, US
• Randy R. Montgomery · Tucson, US
• Patrick J. Hibbs · Gilbert, US
• Parthiv A. Rajgor · Marana, US
• Michael A. McAfee · Tucson, US
• Jiangjiang Dai · Tucson, US
• John E. Price · Tucson, US
• Bradley H. Dolbin · Tucson, US

Key dates

• Filing date: May 13, 2022
• Grant date: May 21, 2024
• Expiry date: Nov 17, 2042

Classification

• Technology area (CPC F): Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
• CPC primary: F05B2220/602
• WIPO field: Electrical machinery, apparatus, energy
• WIPO sector: Electrical engineering

Abstract

Some embodiments provide irrigation generator systems that include a main conduit comprising an inlet conduit and an outlet conduit; a flow control system positioned within the main conduit; a generator conduit comprising a generator inlet conduit and a generator outlet conduit, wherein the generator inlet conduit is fluidly coupled with the main conduit upstream of the flow control system, the generator outlet conduit is fluidly coupled with the main conduit downstream of the flow control system; and a generator comprising a rotor assembly cooperated with generator conduit to be physically activated by a flow of fluid through the generator conduit causing rotation of the rotor assembly and generates electrical power. The flow control system transitions between a closed state to the open state in response to a water pressure exceeding a pressure threshold.