Self-cleaning irrigation regulator valve apparatus
US5829678A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 21, 1996 |
| Grant date | Nov 3, 1998 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 21, 2016 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB05B15/50
- WIPO fieldChemical engineering
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
A cleaning cycle generator for an irrigation system having a programmable irrigation controller. When the irrigation controller terminates an on cycle, the cleaning cycle generator of the present invention will initiate a time delay after which it will turn the sprinklers completely on for a timed period. The sprinklers will then be turned off to complete the remainder of the off cycle. The present invention is particularly advantageous in pressure regulated irrigation valves where particles in the water can become trapped between valve seat surfaces that are in close proximity due to the pressure regulation. Leaking throughout the lengthy off cycle of the irrigation system is prevented by flushing out particles while the valve is in the completely open, unregulated state.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.