US2921629A

US2921629A - Control device for sprinkler valves

Info

Publication number: US2921629A
Application number: US759115A
Authority: US
Inventors: William H Stout
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1958-09-02
Filing date: 1958-09-02
Publication date: 1960-01-19
Anticipated expiration: 1977-01-19

Description

Jan. 19, 1960 w. H. STOUT 2,921,629

CONTROL DEVICE FOR SPRINKLER VALVES Original Filed Aug. 13, 1956 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR. MHjQmHSiou'Z BY Affys.

Jan. 19, 1960 w. H. STOUT CONTROL DEVICE FOR SPRINKLER VALVES Original Filed Aug. 13, 1956 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 INV EN TOR.

United States Claims. (Cl. 161-7) This invention relates to fluid dispensers, and more particularly to improvements in dispensers wherein a.

fluid may be discharged therefrom at regulated time intervals controlled from a central control station. This application is a continuation of my copending application, Serial Number 603,703, filed August 13, 1956, now abandoned.

It is an object of this invention to provide, in a distribution system having a fluid conduit with distribution outlets spaced along the conduit, improved means where by periodically selected outlets may be selectively and recurrently opened to a fluid supply automatically without the necessity of supervision.

It is another object of this invention to provide such a distribution system wherein the selection of the outlets opened and the length of time selected distribution outlets are opened to the fluid supply are controlled from one centrally located point.

It is another object of this invention to provide a fluid distribution system of the hereinbefore described character wherein the selection of the distribution outlets and the interval of discharge from the outlets are controlled through varying the pressure of the fluid handled in the conduit.

More specifically, it is an object of this invention to provide a control means or mechanism for a fluid distribution outlet and conduit system which comprises a pressure actuated, time delay mechanism cocked or actuated to an activated condition by the presence of pressure fluid in the conduit, and operable only when in an activated condition to eifect a change in fluid flow by a subsequent momentary variation in fluid pressure. The mechanism returns to a deactivated condition on interruption in fluid pressure over a longer time interval, thereby permitting recurrent operation of the system.

The invention has particular utility in connection with water irrigation systems. Recurrent and periodic irrigation of land makes possible greater eificiency in water utilization. The distribution system of this invention permits land irrigating with plural sprinkling stands wherein the sprinkling stands selected for water discharge and the time interval for sprinkling may be completely controlled by variations in water supply pressure. The invention is not limited to irrigation systems, however.

These and other objects and advantages of the invention will become more fully apparent as the following description is read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

Fig. 1 is a simplified plan view of a distribution system constructed according to this invention, of a type that may be used for irrigation of land, showing a number of conduit segments, each having a plurality of distribution outlets, arranged with a suitable pump for the supply of water thereto;

Fig. 2 is a side view, partly broken away along the line 2--2 in Fig. 1, showing one of the distribution outlets and a control mechanism therefor;

Fig. 3 is a top. view of the control mechanism-of Fig. 2,

2 partly in section, showing the control mechanism in an uneriergized or deactivated position, and showing the mechanism closing that portion of the conduit segment which lies to the outer side of the distribution outlet;

Fig. 4 is a view similar to Fig. 3, save that the control mechanism is shown in an energized or activated position;

Fig. 5 is a view similar to Fig. 3, save that the control mechanism is shown shifted to the right and closing the distribution outlet; 7

Fig. 6 is a section view along the line 66 of Fig. 2;

' Fig. 7 is a section view along the line 7-7 of Fig. 2;

Fig. 8 is a side view, partly in section, of part of the control mechanism shown in Fig. 2; and

Fig. 9 is a section view, slightly enlarged, along the line 9 -9 of Fig. 6.

Referring to Fig. 1, a simplified plan view of one form ofthe invention is shown. Illustrated in Fig. l is an irrigation system comprising a main line or conduit 10 connected at one of its ends to a pump 11 and closed at the other of its ends 12 by a suitable means such as a cap. Connected to main line 10 and spaced longitudinally along the line are a series of conduit segments, indicated at 13. Each of the conduit segments is closed at its outer end, and is in fluid communication at its inner end with main line 10. Spaced longitudinally along each of the conduit segments are a plurality of distribution outlets indicated generally at 14. v

In actual practice, distribution outlets 14 are usually arranged so that on a level field each of the distribution outlets is substantially equidistant from adjacent distribution outlets carried by the same conduit segment. In a field of potatoes, for instance, the conduit segments may be placed at 40 foot intervals along main line 10, with the distribution outlets spaced 40 feet from each other along each of the conduit segments.

The irrigation system illustrated is a portable one and preferably main line 10, conduit segments 13, and the distribution outlets should be made of aluminum or other light material, such as plastic, to accommodate their easy transport from one area to another.

As can best be seen in Fig. 2, in the embodiment shown each of the distribution outlets has associated therewith a spiked end 16 adapted to be inserted into the ground, a control means or mechanism generally indicated at 17 located within the conduit segment in the exhaust portion of the conduit segment (i.e., to the outer side of the distribution outlet), and a sprinkler portion indicated at 18 through which water is dispensed over the land irrigated. Each of the distribution outlets comprises a conventional pipe 19 inserted through conduit segment 13,

and sealed therein. Pipe 19 contains an orifice 21 which connects the inside of pipe 19 to the inside of conduit segment 13, and a block 22. sealing the pipe below the conduit segment -so that irrigation water is forced upwardly through the inside of the pipe.

In general terms, control mechanism 17 comprises a slidable valve body mounted within conduit segment 13 and supporting at opposite ends a pair of valve parts. The valve body or core is slidably mounted within the conduit segment for movement from a position it normally occupies, wherein the conduit segment to the outer side of thedistribution outlet and away from the water supply is closed by one of the valve parts, to a position wherein the one valve part moves so as to open up the conduit to the outer side of the distribution outlet, and the other valve part moves over to close orifice 21 and the distribution outlet. Movement of the valve body occurs only after time delay, pressure actuated mechanism present is time delay, pressure actuated mechanism is activated, a

subsequent momentary interruption in fluid pressure produces closing of the distribution outlet, and opening of the conduit segment to the outer side of the distribution outlet.

Specifically, and referring to Figs. 3, and 7, the control mechanism comprises a valve seat portion 26', having an annular portion 23 and integral

therewith cross members

24 and 25. Seat portion 26 is secured to the inside of conduit segment 13 as by nut and bolt assembly 27. Mounted for reciprocation or shifting movement toward and away from valve seat 26 is a valve core or body 28, which has a bore 29 formed at its outer end (the end to the left in Figs. 3 and 7) to accommodate a projection 31 of valve seat 26.

The outer end of valve core 28 mounts a circular seal 32 which abuts annular portion 23 of valve seat 26 when the valve core is moved outwardly or to the left as viewed in Fig. 3. In this position, the seal shuts off the fiow of water around the outer end of the valve core. Seal 32 constitutes a conduit cutoff or valve part in the device. A seal 33 is placed about the inner face of valve seat portion 26, which seals off the peripheral portion of the valve seat between the valve seat and the inner surface of conduit segment 13. When valve core 28 is moved to the right, to the position it occupies in Fig. 5, water may fiow about the end of the valve core through valve seat 26 and between

cross members

24 and 25 of the valve seat.

Integral with the end of projection 31 and supported within the interior of valve core 28 is a retainer portion 34. This is provided with an annular sealing ring 36. Encircling projection 31 with opposite ends abutting retainer portion 34 and the outer end or base of valve core 28 is a compression spring 37. Since retainer portion 34 remains in a fixed position, compression spring 37 urges valve core 28 to its left limit position, shown in Fig. 3, determined by seal 32 striking annular portion 23 of valve seat 26.

As can best be seen in Figs. 3 and 6, at the inner end of valve core 28 is a wall portion 41. Wall portion 41 includes three guide fingers 4i? which slide on the inner surface of conduit segment 13 thereby stabilizing the inner end of the valve core. Wall portion 41 is provided with a projection extending inwardly toward orifice 21 of the distribution outlet. Secured to this projection, as by screw 42 and washer 43, is a U-shaped valve head 44, comprising a flexible rubber portion 46 and metal support 47. Valve head 44 is adapted to overlap and confine orifice 21, so that when valve core 28 is moved to its right limit position, as determined by metal support 47 striking pipe 19 of the distribution outlet, the periphery of rubber portion 46 encompasses the orifice and seals olf the the flow of water into pipe 19. Valve head 44 constitutes a distribution outlet cutofi, or second valve part, adjustable between positions for opening and crossing orifice 21 and a distribution outlet.

Referring to Figs. 6 and 9, wall portion 41 also includes a constricted metering conduit or passage 51 extending through the wall portion and accommodating the flow of water in regulated amounts into the interior of valve core 28. Secured to the wall portion adjacent each end of metering conduit 51 are a pair of

screens

52 and 53 which prevent foreign matter from entering conduit 51 and possibly plugging up the conduit.

Slidably mounted within the valve core for reciprocation therein, is a cylinder head 54 which has encircling one of its ends a seal 56. Interposed between cylinder head 54 and retainer portion 34 is a second compression spring 57, normally urging the cylinder head away from retainer portion 34. A fluid expansion chamber is defined by cylinder head 54, the inner cylindrical wall of valve core 28, and wall portions 41. This chamber fills with water when water under pressure is present in conduit segment 13 in that portion of the conduit surrounding valve core 28. The water enters through metering conduit 51 producing expansion of the chamber against 4 the biasing action of the compression spring 57, which constantly urges diminution in the size of the chamber.

As can be seen in Fig. 3, a passage 58 is provided connecting the interior of the fluid expansion chamber and the bore accommodating nut and bolt assembly 27. This passage permits air trapped between retainer portion 34 and cylinder head 54 to escape to the atmosphere.

Referring to Figs. 7 and 8, an aligning pin 59 is inserted through cross member 25 of valve seat 26 and the base of valve core 28 to keep the core from rotating with respect to the valve seat.

Each of the control mechanisms operates as follows: In the absence of any water under pressure in conduit segment 13, spring 37, which comprises a first biasing means, urges valve core 28 to its left limit position, and the control mechanism operates to seal off that portion of conduit 13 which lies to the outer side of the distribution outlet regulated by the control mechanism. Valve head 44, which is carried by the valve core, is backed off by spring 37 from orifice 21. Spring 57, or the second biasing means, urges cylinder head 54 toward wall portion 41, thereby urging diminution of the expansion chamber defined by the wall portion, the inner wall of the valve core, and the cylinder head. In this condition of the parts, when water under pressure is first introduced into conduit segment 13, the water passes through orifice 21 and out pipe 19 of the distribution outlet. Water is prevented from passing seal 32, and a water pressure head builds up in segment 13 which functions to keep seal 32 tightly against seal 26.

Upon the first introduction of water under pressure to conduit segment 13, and during the time that it is flowing out through orifice 2 1, a small amount of water starts to flow through conduit 51 into the chamber defined by cylinder head 54 and wall portion 41. This causes ex-1 pansion of the chamber and compression of spring 57. Cylinder head 54 moves away from wall 41 with compression of spring 57, as shown in Fig. 4. When compressed, spring 57 functions to urge valve core 28 to a position wherein seal 32 moves away from seat 26 and orifice 21 is closed. As long as the water pressure within conduit 13 is sustained, however, valve core 28 remains in position with seal 32 tightly against seat 26. This is by reason of the fact that a water pressure head exists within the conduit.

After the fluid expansion chamber is filled with water, when the fluid pressure within conduit segment 13 is momentarily interrupted, valve core 28 together with valve head 44 moves to the right under the urging of spring 57, until metal support 47 strikes pipe 19. 7 Spring 57 has a stronger expansive force than spring 37, and is designed to override compression spring 37. Movement of the valve core to the right pulls seal 32 away from annular portion 23 of the valve seat, allowing water to fiow past the base of the valve core to portions of con: duit segment 13 lying to the outer side of seat 26, which was formerly blocked. Movement of the valve core to the right also operates to close orifice 21.

If the water pressure is interrupted only momentarily, the fluid expansion chamber remains substantially filled with water during the time lapse before water pres-sure is reinstated. This results from the fact that metering conduit 51 prevents rapid exhaust of water from within the valve core. When the water pressure within the conduit is reinstated, the fluid expansion chamber returns to its completely filled condition. Only an interruption in fluid pressure over a relatively long period of time causes contract-ion of the fluid expansion chamber.

Thus springs 37, 57 and the fluid expansion chamber defined by retainer 34, wall 41, and the inner wall of core 28 constitute part of a time delay, pressure actuated mechanism in the device. The mechanism, shown in a deactivated or deenergized position in Fig. 3, is cocked to an energized or activated position (the position of Figs. 4 and 5) by the admission of fluid under pressure to-the conduit. In this condition, adjustment of

valve parts

32, 44 to a new position wherein orifice 21 is closed and the outer portion of the conduit is opened occurs upon and is triggered by a momentary fiuid pressure decrease in the conduit. Release from an activated position results only after a pressure interruption over a time interval of a length sufficient to permit the expansion chamber to drain substantially completely. Since the pressure actuated mechanism is releasable, recurrent operation is possible.

From the foregoing, it should be obvious that each of the control mechanisms in a given conduit segment will be energized sequentially, by introducing into the conduit segment water under pressure and periodically interrupting the water pressure momentarily. This follows from i the fact that water under pressure is introduced to any given control mechanism only after activation and triggering of all preceding control mechanisms. It should also be obvious that in each conduit segment, water will be dispensed through only one distribution outlet at a time, since the portion of the conduit segment to the outer side of the control mechanism last energized is closed by the control mechanism last energized until a pressure interruption occurs, and the distribution outlets which precede the control mechanism last energized are closed by their respective control mechanisms.

It has been found practicable to construct valve seat portion 26, valve core or part 23, and cylinder head 54 of a plastic material, since these parts preferably should be light in weight, and plastic lends itself to being readily shaped in the manner required by the parts. The plastic employed should be strong enough to withstand the stresses which occur during the operation of the control mechanism. A cellulose butyrate plastic has been found to be highly satisfactory in the manufacture of these parts. Difliculties were encountered in properly lubricating the interior wall of valve core 28 to accommodate the reciprocation therein of head 54. These difficulties-were obviated by depositing upon the interior wall of core 28 a powdered lubricant such as graphite (the molybdenum salts are examples of other useful lubricants) in such a manner that portions of the graphite particles are embedded to 9 1.6 extent within the plastic. Thismay be accomplished by softening to some extent, as by heat or with a solvent, the interior wall of core 28, and depositing the graphite upon the interior wall while thewall is in, the softened condition. In practice, when a cellulose butyrate is employed, the interior wall of the core may first be softened with an appropriate solvent, such as methyl ethyl ketone, and the graphite then dispersed over the, surface of the wall to produce a lubricated surface having an exceptionally low coeflicient of friction of considerable durability.

As previously mentioned, in the embodiment illustrated, the outer end of each conduit segment is closed in any suitable manner. By closing the outer ends of the conduit .segments, recurrent operation of the control mechanisms in the conduit segments may be provided for by including, mechanism operable to shut off the water supply for a relatively long time interval in response to a pressure rise in main line 10.

It will be noted that in the form of the invention shown,

water is delivered to the conduit segments by a single pump 11, which may be a centrifugal pump, or any other suitable pump which is capable of delivering water under a fairly constant pressure. Further, the conduit segments are so arranged that the control mechanisms associated with the outermost distribution outlets of the conduit segments are all energized at the same time. From this it follows that when the outermost control mechanisms are energized, and the pressure within the lines is subsequently interrupted momentarily so as to trigger all the control mechanisms, when water pressure again builds up in the conduit segments, the pressure within the entire system rises somewhat above the usual pressure existing in the system. The increase of pressure which results is emen ines 6 ployed to operate a switch mechanism operable to turn 01f the water supply for a relatively long time interval, enabling the fluid expansion chambers of all the control mechanisms fully to drain.

Referring to Fig. 1, driving centrifugal pump 11 is an electric motor 66. Electricity is delivered to motor 66 as determined by a timer indicated generally at 67, which is designed so as periodically to interrupt momentarily the supply of electricity delivered to motor 66, and thereby allow successive activation and triggering of the control mechanisms in the manner described above by reason of the periodic fluctuations of water pressure resulting 1n main line 10.

Connected to the pressure side of centrifugal pump 11 by a conduit 68, is a pressure valve 70 and a check valve 72. Check valve 72 is connected by a conduit 69 to a reseivoir 71. Reservoir 71 is provided with a bleed valve 73 and a pressure responsive diaphragm 74, which Is operatively connected to a toggle switch device indicated at 76 interposed in one of the power lines delivering electricity to motor 66.

Pressure valve 70 shuts otf the flow of water through

conduits

68 and 69 so long as the water pressure in main line 10 does not rise above that normally existing when -water is being discharged through selected distribution outlets. The increase in pressure which results when all the distribution outlets are closed and the flow of Water is blocked from main line 10 causes water to flow through pressure valve 70 and check valve 72 into resermotor 66. Bleed valve 73 is adjusted so that switch 76 remains open for a relatively long time interval, sufficient to permit all of the control mechanisms in the conduit segments connected to main line 10 to become completely deenergized. The interval required for the valve cores to drain will depend, of course, upon the strength of the springs 57 which urge cylinder heads 54 toward wall portions 41, and the size of the metering conduits. When all of the control mechanisms have reached their deenergized positions, reinstatement of the pressure within main line 10 results in the control mechanisms being sequentially operated in the manner. already described.

Other means may be advantageous in certain instances for recurrently operating the conduit segments employed.

in this invention, such as timing devices, etc., but the means described above has been found to be particularly valuable in eliminating the number of control parts required.

From the above, it is apparent that a novel and convenient system has been constructed wherein a number of distribution outlets may be operated sequentially and recurrently periodically to irrigate selected areas of a field. The entire system is responsive to pressure changes of the irrigation water itself within the conduits carrying the water, thereby eliminating the need for a separate and independent control system.

It should be obvious that only one conduit segment may be used. However, by employing a plurality of conduit segments, it is possible to irrigate a greater portion of the ground at one time.

While there has been described only one particular embodiment of this invention, it is desired not to be limited thereto, and it is intended to cover all modifications of the invention which would be apparent to one It is claimed and desired to secure by Letters Patent:

1. In a fluid distribution system having an elongated conduit for the passage of fluid under pressure and a plurality of distribution outlets connected to the conduit and spaced therealong; said conduit having an inner, inlet end and an outer end; the improvement comprising control mechanism for each distribution outlet regulating the discharge of fluid through the outlet; said control mechanism comprising a first valve part movable between open and close positions for opening and closing a portion of the conduit adjacent a distribution outlet on the side of the outlet nearest said outer end; a second valve part movable between open and close positions for opening and closing the distribution outlet; time delay, pressure actuated mechanism actuated by fluid in said conduit and cocked from a deactivated to an activated position by an increase in the pressure of fluid in said conduit and released from an activated to a deactivated position by a subsequent decrease in the pressure of fluid in said conduit over a predetermined time interval; and means conmeeting said pressure actuated mechanism to said first and second valve'parts constructed and arranged to urge said first valve part to a close position and said second valve part to an open position when the mechanism is in a deactivated position, and constructed and arranged to urge said second valve part to a close position and said first valve part to an open position when the mechanism is in an activated position. I

2. The device according to claim 1 wherein said time delay, pressure actuated mechanism comprises a fluidjex- I pansion chamber expansible in response to an increasein fluid pressure, metering conduit means connecting with said expansion chamber accommodating metered discharge of fluid from said chamber, and bias means urging contraction of said chamber.

3. The device according to claim 2 wherein the control mechanism comprises a valve body shiftably mounted within said conduit and wherein said valve body mounts said first and second valve parts and said time delay, pressure actuated mechanism.

4. In a fluid distribution system having an elongated conduit for the passage of fluid under pressure and. a plurality of distribution outlets connected to the conduit and spaced therealong; said conduit having an inner inlet end and an outer end; the improvement comprising control mechanism for each distribution outlet regulating the discharge of fluid through the outlet; said control mechanism comprising a valve body slidably mounted within said conduit; a first valve part secured to said valve body and movable therewith between open and close positions for opening and closing a portion of the conduit adjacent the distribution outlet on the side of the outlet nearest said outer end; a second valve part secured to said valve body and movable therewith between open and close positions for opening and closing the distribution outlet; bias means for urging said valve body and first valve part to a position wherein said valve part is in a close position; and fluid expansion means supported on said valve body and actuated by fluid under pressure in said conduit; said expansion means being cocked from a deactivated to an activated position by an increase in the pressure of fluid under pressure in said conduit and released from an activated to a deactivated position by a subsequent decrease in the pressure of fluid in said conduit over a predetermined time interval; said expansion means in said activated position urging said valve body and second valve part to a position wherein said second valve part is in a close position.

5. For a conduit having a source of fluid under pressure connected to the inner end thereof anda distribution outlet connected thereto between inner and outer ends; a

fluid pressure responsive control device for regulating the flow of fluid through said outlet; said control device comprising a first valve part movable between open and-closepositions for opening and closing the conduit on the side opening and closing the outlet; time delay, pressure actuated mechanism actuated by fluid in said conduit cooked from a deactivate to an activated position by an increase in the pressure of fluid in said conduit and released from an, activated to a deactivated position by a subsequent decrease in the pressure of fluid in said conduit over a. predetermined time interval; and means connecting said pressure actuated mechanism to said first and second valve parts constructed and arranged to urge said first valve part to a close position and said second valve part to an open position when the mechanism is in a deactivated position, and constructed and arranged to urge said second valve part to a close position and said first valve part to an open position when the mechanism is in an activated position.

6. For a conduit having a source of fluid under pressure connected to the inner end thereof and a distribution outlet connected thereto intermediate inner and outer ends; a fluid pressure responsive control device regulating the flow of fluid through the outlet; said control device comprising a first valve part movable between an open and close positionfor opening and closing the conduit on the side of the distribution outlet nearest said outer end; a second valve part movable between an open and close position for opening and closing the distribution outlet; andtime delay, pressure actuated mechanism operatively connected to said first and second valve parts selectively for urging either said first valve part to a close position and said second valve part to an open position or said first valve part to an open position and said second valve part: to a close position; said time delay, pressure actuated mechanism being actuated by pressure fluid in said conduit and cocked from a deactivated to an activated position by an increase in the pressure of fluid in said" conduit and released from an activated to a deactivated position by a subsequent decrease in the pressure of fluid in said conduit for a predetermined time interval; said pressure actuated mechanism urging said second valve part to a close position and said first valve part to an open position when in an activated position, and said second valve part to an open position and said first valve part to a close position when in a deactivated position.

7. In a fluid distribution system, the combination of anclongated conduit. at least a pair of distribution outlets connected to said conduit, a source of, fluid under pressure connected to the inner end of said conduit, means for interrupting momentarily and for relatively-longer periods of time the supply of pressure fluid delivered to the conduit by said pressure fluid source, and a control mechanism for each of the distribution outlets for regulating the flow of fluid through the outlet and responsive to variations in the supply of pressure fluid delivered by said pressure fluid source, each of said control mechanisms having valve means normally closing the side of the conduit spaced toward the outer end of'the conduit from the distribution outlet and opening the distribution outlet, and mechanism activated by the presence of fluid under pressure in the conduit for adjusting said valve means upon a subsequent momentary interruption of fluid pressure, said last-mentioned mechanism being operable when activated to urge said valve means to a position closing the distribution outlet and opening theside of the conduit spaced toward the outer end of the conduit from the distribution outlet, said mechanism returning to a deactivated condition upon an interruption in fluid pressure for one of said relatively longer periods of time.

8. A water distribution system comprising a fiuid con duit having inner and outer ends, a source of fluid under pressure connected to the inner end of said conduit, a plurality of distribution outlets spaced along said conduit and connected thereto, and pressure responsive control means for each of said distribution outlets normally closing the conduit to the outer side of the distribution outlet and opening the distribution outlet, said control means comprising a valve body, a conduit cutoff at one end of said Valve body adjustable between a close position wherein the portion of the conduit to the outer side of the distribution outlet is closed and an open position wherein the lastmentioned portion of the conduit is open, a distribution outlet cutoff at the other end of said valve body adjustable between open and close positions for opening and closing the distribution outlet, a first biasing means urging the conduit cutofl to a close position, a fluid retention expansible chamber, a second biasing means urging diminution of the chamber, a passage between said chamber and the portion of the conduit to the inner side of said conduit cutofi, said chamber expanding with fluid to an energized position when fluid under pressure is present in the portion of the conduit to the inner side of the conduit cutoff, said second biasing means urging said conduit cutofi to a position closing the distribution outlet when said chamber is in an energized position and the fluid pressure in the portion of the conduit to the inner side of the conduit cutofi is decreased.

9. For a conduit having a source of fluid under pressure connected to the inner end thereof and a distribution outlet connected thereto between inner and outer ends; a fluid pressure responsive control device for regulating the flow of fluid through said outlet; said control device comprising a first valve portion movable between open and close positions for opening and closing the conduit on the side of the distribution outlet nearest said outer end; a second valve portion movable between open and close positions for opening and closing the outlet; time delay, pressure actuated mechanism actuated by fluid in said conduit cocked from a deactivated to an activated position by an increase in the pressure of fluid in said conduit and released from an activated to a deactivated position by a subsequent decrease in the pressure of fluid in said conduit over a predetermined time interval; and means connecting said pressure actuated mechanism to said first and second valve portions constructed and arranged to urge said second valve portion to a close position and said first valve portion to an open position when the mechanism is in an activated position, and constructed and arranged to urge said second valve portion to an open position when the mechanism is in a deactivated position.

10. In a fluid distribution system, the combination of an elongated conduit, at least a pair of distribution outlets connected to said conduit, a source of fluid under pressure connected to the inner end of said conduit, means for interrupting momentarily and for relatively longer periods of time the supply of pressure fluid delivered to the conduit by said pressure fluid source, and a control mechanism for each of the distribution outlets for regulating the flow of fluid through the outlet and responsive to variations in the supply of pressure fluid delivered by said pressure fluid source, each of said control mechanisms having valve means operable initially to close the side of the conduit toward the outer end of the conduit from the distribution outlet and to open the distribution outlet when fluid under pressure is first introduced to the conduit, and mechanism activated by the presence of fluid under pressure in the conduit for adjusting said valve means upon a subsequent momentary interruption of fluid pressure, said last-mentioned mechanism being operable when activated to urge said valve means to a position closing the distribution outlet and opening the side of the conduit toward the outer end of the conduit from the distribution outlet, said mechanism returning to a deactivated condition upon an interruption in fluid pressure for one of said relatively longer periods of time.

No references cited.