US3319893A - Sprinkler - Google Patents

Description

y 6, 1967 J. RODGERS ETAL V 3,319,893

SPRI NKLER Filed June 13, 1966 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVIZNTORS.

JZMES LINN ODGE'ES ROBERT E. CHI ES ATTaQ/VE YS May 16, 1967 J. L. RODGERS ETAL 3, 9,

SPRINKLER Filed June 13, 1966 2 SheetsSheet FIG.9

FIGJO FlGJl, 63 2 FlG.l2

I NVEN TORS. JAMA-ZS' l/N/V 19006526 53 197'7'0/P/VEYS United States Patent 3,319,893 SPRINKLER James Linn Rodgers, 9606 La Serna Drive, Whittier, Calif. 90605, and Robert B. Caves, 10028 Deerhaven Drive, Santa Ana, Calif. 92705 Filed June 13, 1966, Ser. No. 562,052 9 Claims. (Cl. 239-393) This is a continuation-in-part of our copending patent application Ser. No. 457,138, filed May 19, 196-5, for Sprinkler, now abandoned.

This invention pertains to a sprinkler and in particular to a sprinkler that will provide variable spray patterns for watering a garden or lawn.

The sprinkler of this invention is adapted for low cost construction entirely of plastic parts. One of the elements of the sprinkler is a hollow member, which may be spherical, having various openings through it that define the different spray patterns. The sphere is mounted in the sprinkler body and rotatable to present a selected pattern at the exterior for discharge of Water. The incoming water enters the sphere through at least one other opening in the sphere, which then faces inwardly to act as an inlet rather than as the outlet which is its purpose when it is turned to the exterior. The incoming water from the inwardly facing opening travels through the sphere to discharge through the openingthat is at the exterior. By having the water pass through a hollow sphere, it is possible to provide a relatively large number of different spray patterns in a unit of compact size. Moreover, as the water contacts the sphere inside the sprinkler body and flows through the sphere, it urges the periphery of the sphere against an annular sealing element so that the sphere is securely held against the seal and willnotleak. A valve is included in the unit so that the Water may be shut off when desired, which releases the pressure on the sphere and permits the sphere to be turned within the sprinkler body to present a different fiow pattern facing the exterior. Thus, adjustment is obtained readily when another flow pattern is to be selected.

An object of this invention is to provide an improved low cost water sprinkler.

Another object of this invention is to provide a sprinkler having provision for varying the discharge flow pattern.

A further object of this invention is to provide a sprinkler in which the Water flows through a hollow element having various apertures to provide a wide variety of spray patterns in a unit of small size.

Yet another object of this invention is to provide a sprinkler in which the flow adjustment member is a hollow body held against a seal through the pressure of the water flowing through the unit.

These and other objects will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of the sprinkler of this invention;

FIGURE 2 is a front elevational view kler;

FIGURE 3 is a longitudinal sectional view taken along line 3-3 of FIGURE 2;

FIGURE 4 is a fragmentary sectional view taken along line 44 of FIGURE 3, showing the valve in the open position;

FIGURE 5 is a view similar to FIGURE 4 but with the valve closed;

FIGURE 6 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view illustrating the engagement of the flow-controlling sphere with its seal;

FIGURE 7 is a perspective view of the sphere removed from the remainder of the sprinkler;

of the sprin- FIGURE 8 is a sectional view taken along line 88 of FIGURE 3;

FIGURE 9 is a perspective view of the invention incorporated in a lawn sprinkler, including an arrangement for rotating the sphere;

FIGURE 10 is a longitudinal sectional view of the sprinkler of FIGURE 9;

FIGURE 11 is a transverse sectional view of the sprinkler taken along line 11-11 of FIGURE 10; and

FIGURE 12 is an enlarged fragmentary detail view of the coupling arrangement between the shaft and the sphere.

With reference to the drawing, the device of this invention includes an elongated hollow body 9 adapted to be made of molded plastic, and preferably provided with longitudinal ribs 10 to allow the body 9 to be gripped and held in the hand. An end fitting 11 is received in the bottom portion of the body, this being an internally threaded element in which is located a washer 12 bearing against an annular shoulder 13. The male end of a garden hose 14 is adapted to thread into the fitting 11 to seal against the washer 12 in the conventional manner. This provides the inlet for pressurized water from the hose to enter the chamber 15 within the body 9.

A wall 16 extends across the body near its upper end and is provided with an opening that receives a sealing member 17. This is a part of the valve assembly for controlling the fiow through the body 9. The member 17, which may be of relatively soft plastic, includes a flange 18 that is received in a recess near the outer portion of the wall 16. A bead 19 is provided at the upstream end of the inner cylindrical portion 20 of the seal 17, this bead being rounded convexly so that it is generally semicircular in cross section. A valve member 21 is adjacent the seal 17, this element being provided with an outer surface 22 which is formed as a segment of a sphere, and an inner semicylindrical surface 23. When the valve is open as in FIGURES 3 and 4, the semicylindrical opening 23 is adjacent the opening through the seal and open flow is provided. Upon rotating the member 21 to the position of FIGURE 5, however, the outer surface 22 is positioned across the bead 19, so that the valve prevents all flow.

Movement of the valve is provided through a stem 25 attached by a screw 26 to a handle 27. The stem is sealed with respect to the valve body through which it extends by means of an O-ring 28 that circumscribes it. When the valve is in the closed position, the water upstream of it entering through the fitting 12 exerts a pressure that urges the outer surface 22 into a firm sealing engagement with the bead 19. The rounded nature of the bead 19 and its convex shape prevent it from being deflected inwardly by the water pressure to allow leakage through the valve. A limited amount of floating movement is permitted the valve member 21 to facilitate the sealing contact at the bead 19.

When the valve is open, water can pass through the wall 16 and into a chamber 30 at the upper end of the valve body 9. At one end of this chamber is a hollow spherical member 31. This element is provided with different openings through it which when appropriately positioned provide for the discharge of water from the body 9. Hence, these openings define the flow patterns that the sprinkler is capable of producing. In the embodiment illustrated, the sphere 31 includes an elongated slot 33, a round opening 34 and a group of several small. openings 35. The openings 33, 34 and 35 are spaced apart around the periphery of the sphere 31 so that their center portions are substantially apart.

The sphere 31 is provided with diametrically opposed journals 37 and 38 which are slidably received in slots 39 and 40 that extend inwardly of the chamber 30 from the outer radial edge 41 at the upper end of the body 9. Hence, the sphere 31 can move a limited amount in the slots 39 and 40, which is in an axial direction with respect to the substantially cylindrical upper end portion of the sprinkler body. Outwardly of the slots 39 and 40, the sprinkler body is externally threaded for engagement with the internal threads of a cap 42. The latter element has a straight knurl on its circumferential surface 43 so that it easily can be threaded into place to where it engages outwardly projecting flange 44 on the body. A flange 45 extends inwardly from the inner wall of the cap 42 and positions an annular sealing member 46 of a relatively soft plastic material. The member 46 has a convexly rounded bead 47 at its inner portion that is adjacent the periphery of the sphere 31. The inner portion of the seal 46 is smaller in diameter than is the sphere 31, and engages the periphery of the sphere outwardly of the journals 37 and 38.

In selecting a discharge pattern for the device of this invention, the valve 21 is closed to block flow into the chamber 30. In the resulting absence of pressure in the chamber 30, the sphere 31 may be rotated freely to present the desired discharge pattern, defined by the openings 33, 34, or 35, to the exterior of the unit. Proper alignment with the end of the chamber 39 is maintained through the journals 37 and 38 in the longitudinal slots 39 and 40. This allows any selected opening 33, 34 or 35 to be positioned adjacent and radially inwardly of the bead 47 of the sealing member 46.

When this is done, the other openings communicate with the chamber 30. In other words, as the device is shown in FIGURES 3 and 8, the group of openings 35 is positioned at the exterior of the chamber, while the other two openings 33 and 34 open through the sphere into the chamber 30.

Then, when the valve 21 is opened, water entering from the inlet fitting 11 will pass through the chamber 15 of the body 9 to enter the chamber 30. Here it will flow into the sphere 31 through the openings 33 and 34. The hollow sphere interior provides a passageway interconnecting the openings 33, 34 and 35, so that the water entering the openings 33 and 34 will discharge from the sphere through the openings 35. Hence, one of the flow patterns is used as the outlet for the device, while the others serve as the inlet for the flow-controlling ball 31.

The pressure exerted against the ball 31 as the water enters chamber 30 and flows through the ball to the outlet openings 35 forces the member 31 outwardly of the body toward the end edge 41. This pressure, in other words, tends to move the sphere 31 to the left as the device is illustrated in FIGURES 3, 6 and 8, urging it into firm contact with the bead 47 of the sealing member 46. The seal 46 is prevented from outward movement by the flange 45 so that the eflect of the water pressure will be to hold the sphere tightly against the seal. In this manner, the pressure of the water passing through the unit is utilized in accomplishing a secure seal along the periphery of the sphere 31 to prevent leakage. The convexly rounded bead 47 will not be deflected inwardly by the water pressure, and hence will maintain a fluid-tight relationship with the sphere 31.

When it is desired to change the flow pattern, the valve 21 is closed, thereby relieving pressure in the chamber 30. Where the sphere 31 had been held tightly against the seal 46 by the water pressure when the valve was open, with the valve closed and the absence of pressure in the chamber 30 the sphere 31 becomes readily rotatable. Therefore, it may be turned to present one of the other openings 33 or 34 to the exterior. When the valve is opened subsequently, the water again will flow through the spherical member 31, entering the openings in its periphery which are not selected as the discharge pattern, while flowing outwardly through the opening positioned adjacent the sealing member 46.

This arrangement allows the provision of a relatively large number of different predeterm ned flow patterns in a unit of compact size. In the small hand-held unit shown, there are three discharge patterns provided. More may be included as desired. The important consideration is that at least one opening is provided in the hollow element to act as the water inlet, while another is positioned adjacent the outlet to define the discharge pattern.

In order for the sphere 31 to be readily rotatable to permit the selection of the different flow patterns, it is mounted loosely in the end of the chamber '30 so that it can be turned when the pressure is released as the valve is closed. Also, this floating relationship of the sphere 31 is needed in permitting the sphere to be urged outwardly by the water pressure against the seal so that leakage may be absolutely precluded.

In the unit shown, it is preferred to align the sphere through the provision of the journals 37 and 38 and their cooperating slots 39 and 40. However, this is not an essential element and, in some instances, it may be preferred to allow the sphere to be rotated in any direction through the omission of the journals 37 and 38. This may be advantageous if the device is constructed for stationary operation rather than as a hand-held unit as shown. For example, if the device is to be rested upon the ground as a stationary sprinkler, the hollow sphere may be rotated so that the flow of water may be directed toward any desired location. This permits the sprinkler to be positioned to one side of a flower bed or other area so that it is not necessary to walk into the area being watered in. order to set the sprinkler.

In the embodiment of FIGURES 9, 10 and 11, the invention is incorporated in a lawn-type sprinkler 49. Again, the unit may be substantially entirely made of plastic and is adapted for mass production at low cost. The sprinkler 49 includes a base 50 for providing a stable support on the ground. At the central portion of the base 50 is a hollow chamber 51 that receives the sphere 52 through which the Water discharges. The chamber 51 includes a hemispherical bottom wall 53 above which is a cylindrical side wall 54. The water from the garden hose 55 enters the chamber 51 through a fitting 56 which extends through the wall of the chamber. A conventional coupling 57 receives the threaded end 58 of the hose 55 to attach the hose to the sprinkler.

A collar 60 circumscribes the cylindrical wall 54 and is secured to it. A flange 61 projects inwardly from the upper end of the collar 60 and is provided with an opening 62 circumscribing and spaced outwardly from the upper portion of the sphere 52. Beneath the flange 61 and on the upper side of the sphere is an annular sealing member 63 which is retained between the upper end of the cylindrical wall 54 and the flange 61. The seal 63 is smaller in diameter than the sphere 52, and at its inner edge is adapted to be engaged tightly by the sphere 52 when the sprinkler is in operation.

For convenience of manufacture, the sphere 52 preferably is made in three sections 52a, 52b and 52c of equal arcs cemented together at their margins to collectively define the complete sphere. Arcuate segments 64, 65 and 66 are cemented to the interior of the sphere at the joints between the sections to reinforce the assembled unit.

Extending diametrically through the sphere is a drive shaft 68, the central portion 69 of which has three ribs which are spaced apart at equal angles and radiate outwardly from the center. The outer end portions 70 and 71 of the shaft 68 extend through slots 72 and 73 in the wall 54 and into openings 74 and 75 in the collar 60.

The end sections 70 and 71 of the shaft 63 are circular in cross section and circumscribed by O-ring seals 76 and 77. The hubs of knobs 78 and 79 fit into the openings 74 and 75 around the ends 70 and 71 of the shaft 68 and are secured to the shaft by self-tapping screws 80 and 81. The shaft 68 is mounted in this manner with its axis perpendicular to an extension of the axis of the seal 63. The shaft 68 may be manually rotated about its axis from the exterior of the sprinkler housing through rotation of the knobs 73 and 79.

The sphere 52 is provided with opposed openings 82 and 83 through which the shaft 68 passes. The opening 83, which is of similar size and shape to the opening 82, is illustrated in the enlarged detail view of FIGURE 12. It may be seen that the opening is larger than the crosssectional dimension of the portion 69 of the shaft 68. This means that the sphere is loosely received on the shaft and is permitted a limited amount of movement relative to the shaft 68 in the direction normal to the axis of the shaft. This allows floating movement of the sphere 52 comparable to that provided for the sphere 31 in the previously described embodiment. Nevertheless, the outer portions of the opening 83 are recessed to receive the outer edges of the ribs of the shaft section 69, so that the sphere 52 is coupled to the shaft and will rotate with it. Therefore, rotation of the knobs 78 and 79 causes the sphere 52 to turn about the axis of the shaft 68.

The sphere 52 is provided with three sets of openings 85, 86 and 87. These are in different patterns to provide different shapes to the areas covered by water emanating from the sprinkler. For example, the set of openings 85 may be positioned to provide a narrow rectangular strip of watering area, the openings 86 to provide water in a shorter and wider rectangular pattern, and the openings 37 to produce a square spray.

In operation of the sprinkler 49, the sphere is positioned to produce a desired flow pattern, which is accomplished by rotating the knobs 78 and 79. This turns the shaft 68 which, through the interference of the openings 82 and 83, rotates the sphere so that the desired set of openings may be located within the opening of the seal 63, facing outwardly from the chamber 51. An indicator marking 88 is included on the outer face of the knob 78 to facilitate selection of the right flow pattern. In other words, the dimensions of the areas that will be covered are marked on the face of the knob, with arrows pointing to the three different spray patterns. The openings may be positioned vertically with respect to the sprinkler, as seen in FIGURE 9, or they may be inclined to one side if the sprinkler is to project the water away from the place Where the sprinkler is positioned.

When the water is turned on, it passes through the hose 55 into the chamber 51. There it will engage the surface of the sphere and, in the position of the sphere shown in FIGURE 10, will enter the interior of the sphere through the openings 86 and 87. The flow into the sphere is augmented by the water coming in through the clearance around the shaft 68 at the openings 82 and 83. The Water which enters the sphere then discharges through the apertures 85, producing the spray pattern for the water.

The water bearing against the sphere presses it upwardly against the edge of the seal 63 at the top of the chamber 51. This upward movement is permitted because of the clearance at the openings 82 and 83 which allows the sphere to float upwardly under the pressure exerted by the water to seal firmly against the seal 63. Of course, the O-rings 76 and 77 prevent leakage at the openings 72 and 73. When the valve controlling the water to the hose 55 is closed, the sphere is not under pressure and is not held tightly against the gasket 63. Consequently, when the water is turned off there is no difficulty in rotating the sphere 52 to position it for the desired flow pattern.

The foregoing detailed description is to be clearly understood as given by way of illustration and example only, the spirit and scope of this invention being limited solely by the appended claims.

We claim:

1. A sprinkler device comprising a body having a chamber therein,

an inlet for said chamber adapted for connection to a source of water under pressure, and an outlet for said chamber, a hollow sphere in said outlet,

said sphere being rotatable relative to said body,

and linearly movable axially of said outlet relative to said body, an annular seal in said outlet outwardly of and in juxtaposition with said sphere, and a fixed annular flange outwardly of and engaged by said seal for preventing outward movement of said seal,

said seal having a convexly rounded bead on an inner portion thereof,

said bead being smaller in diameter than the diameter of said sphere, said sphere having spaced opening means therethrough providing communication with the interior thereof,

said opening means being selectively positionable radially within said bead of said seal upon rotational positioning of said sphere relative to said body, said opening means being so spaced that when one such opening means is positioned radially with said bead of said seal another of said opening means is in communication with said chamber,

whereby water under pressure entering said chamber through said inlet flows through said opening means communicating with said chamber, the interior of said sphere, and discharges through said opening means radially Within said bead of said seal, and said water under pressure forces said sphere into sealing engagement with said head ofsaid seal. 2. A sprinkler device comprising a chamber having an inlet adapted to receive water from a source I of water under pressure, and an outlet, a hollow sphere in said outlet, said hollow sphere being rotatable relative to said chamber, 7 an annular sealing member in said outlet,

said hollow sphere being loosely received in said outlet such that said sphere is movable against said sealing member in response to pressure in said chamber, said hollow sphere having spaced opening means therethrough,

said opening means being of different shapes and positioned such that when one of said opening means is radially within said sealing member at least one other of said opening means communicates with the interior of said chamber,

whereby fluid entering said chamber from said inlet flows through said hollow sphere to discharge through the opening means positioned radially within said annual sealing member, and a valve in said chamber for controlling the flow of water therethrough, whereby when said valve is closed pressure is relieved on said hollow sphere permitting said hollow sphere to be rotated relative to said body for selecting an opening means to be positioned radially within said annual sealing member. 3. A sprinkler device comprising a chamber having an inlet adapted to receive liquid from a source of liquid under pressure, and having an outlet,

said outlet having opposed slots extending inwardly from a location adjacent the outer edge thereof,

a hollow sphere in said outlet,

said hollow sphere having opposed journals slidably and rotatably received in said opposed slots, an annular sealing member outwardly of said slots and engageable with the periphery of said hollow sphere, said seal having a portion rounded convexly in cross section for engagement with said sphere,

said sphere being movable into firm engagement with said portion of said seal in response to pressure within said chamber, said sphere having different sets of opening meansof different contours,

said opening means being spaced apart such that when one of said opening means is positioned radially inwardly of said portion of said seal at least one other opening means provides communication with the interior of said chamber, whereby liquid entering said chamber from said inlet flows through said sphere to discharge through the opening means radially inwardly of said portion of said seal, and a shutoff valve upstream of said spherical member for controlling the flow through said chamber and when closed relieving internal pressure against said sphere for permitting rotation of said sphere relative to said chamber. 4. A sprinklerdevice comprising a body having a chamber therein, an inlet for said chamber, an outlet for said chamber,

said inlet being adapted for connection to a source of Water under pressure, a hollow sphere in said chamber adjacent said outlet, an annular seal at said outlet,

said annular seal being at one side of said sphere and of smaller diameter than the diameter of said sphere, said sphere having spaced opening means selectively positionable upon rotation of said sphere to be within said annular seal,

and spaced such that when one of said opening means is positioned Within said annular seal another of said opening means is within said chamber, a shaft extending diametrically through said sphere and to the exterior of said body,

said shaft and said sphere having interfering means for coupling said shaft and said sphere so that rotation of said shaft rotates said sphere about the axis of said shaft, said sphere having clearance openings receiving said shaft,-

whereby said sphere is permitted limited floating movement in the direction normal to said shaft so that water under pressure entering said inlet urges said sphere against said annular seal for preventing leakage at said outlet, and said water enters said sphere through the opening means in said chamber to discharge through the opening means positioned Within said annular seal, and means exteriorly of said body for rotating said shaft for thereby rotating said sphere for permitting selection of the opening means to be within said seal. 5. A device as recited in claim 4 in which said means 6. A device as recited in claim 5 is which said means exteriorly of said body for rotating said shaft includes a knob connected to either end of said shaft,

each knob having end of said shaft,

said body having apertures receiving said hub portions,

and including a seal around said shaft inwardly of each of said hubs for preventing leakage from said body through said apertures.

7. A sprinkler device comprising a body having a chamber therein, an inlet for said chamber, and an outlet for said chamber,

said inlet being adapted for connection to a source of liquid under pressure, a first rotatable member in said outlet,

said first rotatable member having spaced openings in the exterior thereof,

said openings being interconnected interiorly of said first rotatable member whereby communication is provided through said first rotatable member,

a valve in said body intermediate said inlet and said outlet for controlling the flow through said body, said valve including a second rotatable member, and a sealing member,

said sealing member being of annular configuration and having a convexly rounded bead, said second rotatable member having a surface defined by a segment of a sphere, said surface being remote from said head in a first rotational position of said second rotatable member for permitting fluid flow through said sealing member, and in engagement with said bead in a second rotational position of said second rotatable member for preventing flow through said sealing member when said second rotatable member is in said second position,

.and an annular sealing element in said outlet outwardly of said chamber and engaging said exterior surface of said first rotatable member,

said openings being positioned such that when one of said openings is radially within said annular sealing element another of said openings is within said chamber,

whereby liquid entering said chamber through said inlet passes through said opening within said chamber and the interior of said first rotatable member to discharge through said opening radially within said annular sealing element. 8. A sprinkler device comprising a body having a chamber mean therein, an inlet means for said chamber means and an outlet means for said chamber means,

said inlet means being adapted for connection to a source of liquid under pressure,

and a member in said chamber means adjacent said outlet means,

said member having spaced opening means in the exterior thereof,

said member having mean interiorly thereof interconnecting said opening means,

said chamber means including means receiving said member for allowing limited linear movement of said member toward and away from said outlet means and for allowing rotational movement of said member relative to said chamber means, said outlet means and said member being proportioned such that upon said rotational movement of said member said opening means are individually positionable at said outlet means in communication with the exterior of said chamber means while remaining opening means are remote from said outlet means and in communication with the interior of said chamber means,

whereby liquid under pressure received from said inlet means flows through said member and discharges from the opening means positioned at said outlet means in communication with the exterior of said chamber means, and moves said member linearly toward said outlet means, said outlet means and said member having surfaces interengageable when said member is so moved linearly for precluding flow of liquid around said member at said outlet means. 9. A sprinkler device comprising a body having a chamber means therein, an inlet for said chamber means, and an outlet for said chamber means,

said inlet being adapted for connection to a source of liquid under pressure, and a hollow sphere, said sphere having spaced opening means therethrough, said chamber means including means receiving said sphere adjacent said outlet for manual rotational movement of said sphere relative to said chamber means and for allowing limited linear movement of said sphere toward and away from said outlet,

10 said chamber means including an annular element at said outlet,

said annular element being of smaller diameter than the diameter of said sphere and engageable by said sphere upon said linear movement of said sphere toward said outlet for effecting a seal with said sphere, said sphere being proportioned relative to said element such that upon said rotation of said sphere said opening means are individually positionable within said annular element and in communication with the exterior of said chamber means while other opening means are remote from said outlet and in communication with the interior of said chamber means,

whereby liquid under pressure entering said inlet flows through said opening means communicating with said chamber into the interior of said sphere and discharges through said opening means within said annular element, and said liquid under pressure causes said sphere to move linearly to so engage said element.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 8,223 4/ 1910 Great Britain. 8,713 4/1897 Great Britain. 106,935 3/ 1942 Sweden.

EVERETT W. KIRBY, Primary Examiner.

M. HENSON WOOD, JR., Examiner.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION Patent No. 3 ,"319 {893 May 16 1967 James Linn Rodgers et a1.

It is certified that error appears in the above identified patent and that said Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shown below:

Column 6 line 2?, "with" should read within Column 8 line 8 after "having" cancel "end of said shaft," and insert H a hub portion,

Signed and sealed this 5th day of August 1969.

(SEAL) Attest:

WILLIAM E. SCHUYLER, JR.

Edward M. Fletcher, Jr.

Commissioner of Patents Attesting Officer

Claims (1)

1. 8. A SPRINKLER DEVICE COMPRISING A BODY HAVING A CHAMBER MEANS THEREIN, AN INLET MEANS FOR SAID CHAMBER MEANS AND AN OUTLET MEANS FOR SAID CHAMBER MEANS, SAID INLET MEANS BEING ADAPTED FOR CONNECTION TO A SOURCE OF LIQUID UNDER PRESSURE, AND A MEMBER IN SAID CHAMBER MEANS ADJACENT SAID OUTLET MEANS, SAID MEMBER HAVING SPACED OPENING MEANS IN THE EXTERIOR THEREOF, SAID MEMBER HAVING MEANS INTERIORLY THEREOF INTERCONNECTING SAID OPENING MEANS, SAID CHAMBER MEANS INCLUDING MEANS RECEIVING SAID MEMBER FOR ALLOWING LIMITED LINEAR MOVEMENT OF SAID MEMBER TOWARD AND AWAY FROM SAID OUTLET MEANS AND FOR ALLOWING ROTATIONAL MOVEMENT OF SAID MEMBER RELATIVE TO SAID CHAMBER MEANS, SAID OUTLET MEANS AND SAID MEMBER BEING PROPORTIONED SUCH THAT UPON SAID ROTATIONAL MOVEMENT OF SAID MEMBER SAID OPENING MEANS ARE INDIVIDUALLY POSITIONABLE AT SAID OUTLET MEANS IN COMMUNICATION WITH THE EXTERIOR OF SAID CHAMBER MEANS WHILE REMAINING OPENING MEANS ARE REMOTE FROM SAID OUTLET MEANS AND IN COMMUNICATION WITH THE INTERIOR OF SAID CHAMBER MEANS, WHEREBY LIQUID UNDER PRESSURE RECEIVED FROM SAID INLET MEANS FLOWS THROUGH SAID MEMBER AND DISCHARGES FROM THE OPENING MEANS POSITIONED AT SAID OUTLET MEANS IN COMMUNICATION WITH THE EXTERIOR OF SAID CHAMBER MEANS, AND MOVES SAID MEMBER LINEARLY TOWARD SAID OUTLET MEANS, SAID OUTLET MEANS AND SAID MEMBER HAVING SURFACES INTERENGAGEABLE WHEN SAID MEMBER IS SO MOVED LINEARLY FOR PRECLUDING FLOW OF LIQUID AROUND SAID MEMBER AT SAID OUTLET MEANS.

Images