Enhanced sprinkler valving apparatus and method
US6749136B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 26, 2002 |
| Grant date | Jun 15, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 10, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF16K31/402
- WIPO fieldChemical engineering
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
A sprinkler valving apparatus and method are provided. An irrigation system has a plurality of valves designed to be electrically activated by a control unit. Each valve may have a first diaphragm that is flexible to control irrigation water flow through the valve. Each of the valves may have a solenoid isolated from irrigation water within the valve by a second diaphragm. The first and second diaphragms are separated by an interior divider with an orifice that can be blocked or unblocked via flexure of the second diaphragm to trigger motion of the first diaphragm. The second diaphragm is actuated by a magnetically actuatable plunger of the solenoid, which extends through an aperture of an interior retainer to reach the second diaphragm. The second diaphragm has a peripheral ring to ensure that it is movable even when negative outlet pressure is applied to the valve.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.