US3623666A

US3623666A - Sprinkler head

Info

Publication number: US3623666A
Application number: US59391A
Authority: US
Inventors: Larry P Meyer
Original assignee: L R NELSON Manufacturing CO Inc
Current assignee: L R NELSON Manufacturing CO Inc
Priority date: 1970-07-30
Filing date: 1970-07-30
Publication date: 1971-11-30
Anticipated expiration: 1988-11-30

Abstract

A high capacity agricultural irrigation sprinkler head of the type which is rotated in step-by-step fashion by an oscillating impulse arm having a reactant element providing a stream engaging reactant surface area for effecting both the oscillating movement of the impulse arm and the incremental rotational movements of the sprinkler body, the reactant element is mounted on the impulse arm for resiliently biased pivotal movement to automatically compensate for changes in water pressure and nozzle outlet size through a wide range to produce a generally constant oscillatory arm speed and a generally constant intermittent rotational speed by varying the angle of deflection or angle of divergence of the stream in response to variation in the energy of the stream engaged thereby. The sprinkler head also includes a reversing arm having a reactant element which is moved into and out of the stream by an over-riding cam mechanism, the reactant element being normally biased out of the stream and retained in the stream when initially moved therein by the cam mechanism solely by the action of the stream thereon against its normal bias, the reactant element of the reversing arm including a portion providing a reactant surface area for effecting the reversing movement which is similarly mounted on the reversing arm for resiliently biased pivotal movement to likewise automatically compensate for changes in water pressure and nozzle outlet size to produce a generally constant reversing speed by varying the angle of deflection of the stream in response to variation in the energy of the stream.

Description

United States Patent Peoria, 111.

Appl. No. Filed Patented Assignee SPRINKLER HEAD 6 Claims, 13 Drawing Figs.

U.S. Cl

Int. Cl

Field of Search References Cited UNlTED STATES PATENTS 8/1953 Stein 1/1957 Dudley 2/1971 Meyer FOREIGN PATENTS 8/1961 ltaly 8/1955 ltaly 3/1960 Germany Primary Examiner-Lloyd L. King AnorneyCushman. Darby & Cushman ABSTRACT: A high capacity agricultural irrigation sprinkler head of the type which is rotated in step-by-step fashion by an oscillating impulse arm having a reactant element providing a stream engaging reactant surface area for effecting both the oscillating movement of the impulse arm and the incremental rotational movements of the sprinkler body. the reactant element is mounted on the impulse arm for resiliently biased pivotal movement to automatically compensate for changes in water pressure and nozzle outlet size through a wide range to produce a generally constant oscillatory arm speed and a generally constant intermittent rotational speed by varying the angle of deflection or angle of divergence of the stream in response to variation in the energy of the stream engaged thereby. The sprinkler head also includes a reversing arm having a reactant element which is moved into and out of the stream by an over-riding cam mechanism, the reactant element being normally biased out of the stream and retained in the stream when initially moved therein by the cam mechanism solely by the action of the stream thereon against its normal bias, the reactant element of the reversing arm including a portion providing a reactant surface area for effecting the reversing movement which is similarly mounted on the reversing arm for resiliently biased pivotal movement to likewise automatically compensate for changes in water pressure and nozzle outlet size to produce a generally constant reversing speed by varying the angle of deflection of the stream in response to variation in the energy of the stream.

/50 (Ara PATENTEDuuv 30 197i 3.623 .666

sum 2 UF 6 INVB'NT OR Lfl/PRVPME KER ATTORNEYS PATENTEDHUV 30 Ian 3. 623 666 SHEET 0F 6 PATENTEUuuv 30 um SHEET 5 OF 6 ATTORNEYS SPRINKLER HEAD This invention relates to sprinkler heads and more particularly to high capacity sprinkler heads of the type used in agricultural irrigation sprinkling.

High capacity sprinkler heads have increased in use with the increase in agricultural sprinkler irrigation. High capacity sprinkler heads of the type to which the present invention relates are adapted to operate in a range of approximately 290 to 1,025 g.p.m. and to cover an area having a diameter of from 370 feet to 590 feet.

Such high capacity sprinkler heads are contrasted with the more common low capacity sprinkler heads which find use'in agricultural sprinkler irrigation as well as lawn and athletic field maintenance. Low capacity sprinklers are adapted to operate within a range of something less than one g.p.m. up to about or g.p.m. for lawn and athletic field and in the range of 38 g.p.m. to 125 g.p.m. covering a diameter of 170 to 235 feet.

While both high capacity and low capacity sprinkler heads are operable to cover the area to be sprinkled with a step-bystep rotary movement, the manner in which the step-by-step movement is accomplished difi'ers. Most low capacity step-bystep rotary sprinklers embody an impulse arm which is mounted for oscillatory movement about an axis coincident with the rotational axis of the sprinkler head body. The incremental rotational movement of the sprinkler body is accomplished by the force of the impulse arm striking a portion of the sprinkler body at the end of the return stroke of the impulse arm. While most high capacity sprinkler heads embody an oscillating impulse arm, in general, the impulse arm doe not effect the incremental rotational movement of the sprinkler body by striking a portion of the same at the end of its return stroke, as is the case with the low capacity sprinklers.

One type of prior art high capacity sprinkler head achieves incremental rotation of the sprinkler body by a reaction force applied by the stream to a reactant element carried by the impulse arm. An example of a device of this type is illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 2,649,268.

Since high capacity sprinkler heads are efficiently used primarily in agricultural irrigation and are not suitable to the lawn and athletic field mass market, they must be produced on a limited basis as compared with low capacity sprinkler heads. Moreover, because of their greater capacity and the greater operating water pressures involved, they must be of much sturdier construction. Due to this situation, it is not practical to manufacture a variety of different size high capacity sprinkler heads to accommodate different portions in the overall range of use as is the case with low capacity sprinklers. Thus, it is desirable to provide a single high capacity sprinkler head construction which can be modified to suit the desired conditions by simply changing the size of the nozzle outlet. Moreover, high capacity sprinkler heads must be readily adapted for use with pressure sources ranging from 60 psi. to 130 p.s.i.

The efficiency of any sprinkler is, of course, determined by the effectiveness with which it can distribute the water available to the area to be covered. The effectiveness of the distribution of water by a high capacity sprinkler head of the type which is incrementally rotated in response to the oscillation of an impulse arm is dependent upon two primary functions, first, the distance of incremental rotational movement or the incremental rotational displacement and second, the rate at which the incremental rotational movement takes place or the frequency of incremental rotation.

With respect to incremental rotational displacement, an optimum condition is one in which a minimum overlap between adjacent incremental areas receiving water is achieved. Too little displacement can result in too much overlap between incremental areas and hence too much water falling on the overlap area resulting in possible soil and crop damage. On the other hand, too much displacement can result in a gap between adjacent incremental areas receiving water which gap is not adequately irrigated. Incremental rotational displacement is determined by the frictional force of the brake used to control rotation and the impulse force applied to effect rotation under the control of the brake friction.

With respect to frequency of incremental rotation, an optimum condition is to obtain distribution in each incremental area receiving water which extends outwardly in a stream as far as the source pressure permits while still insuring adequate coverage at the inner extent of the incremental area by break up of the stream. Too low a frequency can result in the outer reaches of the incremental area receiving too much water with the attendant possibility of soil and crop damage and the inner reaches not being adequately covered. To high a frequency can result in the outer reaches of the incremental area not being adequately covered. The frequency of incremental rotation is, of course, the same as the frequency of impulse arm oscillation and it is determined by the impulse force applied by the stream to effect the impulse stroke of the impulse arm and the manner in which the return stroke of the impulse arm is accomplished. It is unaffected by the frictional force applied by the brake to control the amount of incremental rotation.

An exemplary incremental rotation displacement which will give effective distribution is within the range of 09 to L6". An exemplary frequency of incremental rotation which will give effective distribution is within the range of 45 to 50 oscillatory cycles per minute.

it can be seen that any given sprinkler head can be constructed to operate within these ranges under any given water source condition, however, because high capacity sprinkler heads must be capable of operating under a wide range of pressure source conditions, it has been the practice heretofore to provide manual adjustments which can be made by the operator where different pressure source conditions are encountered or contemplated.

For example, in the aforesaid U. S. Pat, the reaction elementis adjustably mounted on the outer end of the impulse arm so as to permit the reaction element to be retained in a plurality of adjusted positions wherein the angle of the reaction surface to the stream is varied to vary the frequency of the incremental rotational movement for the particular nozzle size and pressure source utilized. Moreover, a compensating adjustment to the brake pressure controlling the rotational movement may also be required to vary the incremental rotational displacement. it will be noted, however, that these adjustments must be made manually so that where the pressure source conditions vary during operation, the necessary adjustments are, as a practical matter, simply not made.

While adjustments of this type provide a measure of flexibility in operation, they are subject to accidental displacement from their adjusted position. Moreover, in situations where the reactant element is adjusted to accommodate low pressures and the sprinkler head is subjected to a high-pressure source, excessive vibrations and impact while operating under such high-pressure source can cause severe damage. For these reasons as well as the inconvenience to the operator in effecting adjustment, it is desirable to provide a sprinkler head which is operable under a wide range of pressure conditions and in a wide range of nozzle outlet orifice sizes to provide a substantially constant frequency of incremental rotation without the necessity of adjustment.

In my earlier application, Ser. No. 823,026, filed May 8,

1969, there is disclosed a high capacity sprinkler head which accomplishes the results noted above by providing fixed surface means on the reactant element of the impulse arm defining reactant areas for accomplishing both the oscillation of the impulse arm and the incremental rotation of the sprinkler body which vary in response to the energy conditions of the stream issuing from the nozzle. Thus, as the pressure source and/or nozzle size increases, the reactant areas of the surfaces fixed on the reactant element which are engaged by the stream decrease so that the resultant product of the energy level of the stream and the reactant areas engaged thereby are generally constant resulting in a generally constant reaction force on the impulse arm both to effect the oscillatory movement thereof and the incremental rotational movement of the sprinkler body.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a high capacity sprinkler head operable to accomplish the same results as the high capacity sprinkler head of my earlier application with a different principle of operation. In accordance with the principles of the present invention, the results are accomplished by providing reactant mans on the impulse arm providing surface area engageable by the stream which establishes an impulse force for effecting the impulse stroke of the impulse arm and the incremental rotational movement of the sprinkler body by changing the direction of movement of the stream engaged thereby. The impulse force thus established is maintained generally constant by mounting the reactant means on the impulse arm for movement with respect to the impulse arm into different positions varying the change in direction of the movement of the stream engaged thereby in response to variations in the energy of the engaged stream.

Another object of the present invention is the provision of a sprinkler head of the type described in which the reactant means is provided by a reactant element which is pivotally mounted on the impulse arm and resiliently biased into a limiting position efiecting a maximum stream deflection when the stream is at a relatively low energy level. With this arrangement, the pivoted spring biased reactant element will resiliently yield in response to an increase in the energy level of the stream above the relatively low value so as to deflect the stream through an angle which is proportionately less, thus maintaining the resultant impulse force established generally constant.

Another object of the present invention is the provision of a sprinkler head of the type described having a movable spring urged reactant element which is mounted for pivotal movement about an axis which is disposed approximately 45 from the axis of oscillatory movement of the impulse arm and approximately 45 from the axis of rotation of the sprinkler body, the reactant element having reactant surfaces the major portion of which are disposed within a flat plane which is either coincident with or parallel to the pivotal axis of the reactant element.

In many uses of high capacity sprinkler heads it is desirable to cover an area which is less than a full circle. For example, when such sprinkler heads are mounted on a traveling vehicle it is sometimes desirable to leave the area in front of the vehicle dry and to provide a pattern of precipitation which extends approximately 270 or 300 so as to cover the area at the sides and rear of the vehicle only. Various mechanisms have been provided in the prior art for accomplishing part-circle sprinkling. For example, in the aforesaid U.S. Pat. there is provided a second reactant element which is moved into the stream issuing from the nozzle when the sprinkler body reaches one end of its rotational movement. The reaction of the stream on the second reactant element effects a continuous rotation of the sprinkler body in a direction opposed to the normal operating direction of the sprinkler head and when the sprinkler body reaches the beginning of its rotational movement the second reactant element is moved out of the stream, permitting the impulse arm to commence normal operation. Reversing mechanisms of this type are considered desirable since they commence the normal operation at the position within the area to be sprinkled which is the driest.

In my aforesaid copending application, there is disclosed a reversing arm mechanism which is maintained within the stream issuing from the nozzle by the reaction of the stream itself so that accidental startup during the reverse cycle can not take place, the reversing reactant element being normally biased out of the stream and positively moved into the stream against such bias and positively moved out of the stream against the action of the stream by an overriding cam arrangement which prevents jamming and breakage which may occur where the movement of the reversing reactant element into and out of the stream is accomplished by the engagement of stops or the like.

Even with an arrangement such as disclosed in my prior application, as well as with conventional reversing mechanisms such as disclosed in the aforesaid patent, it is desirable to limit the reversing speed of the sprinkler body by the reversing mechanism so as to prevent possible damage and to maintain a generally constant reversing speed so as to maintain a constant cycle speed. Where the reversing force is created by a reactant element which is fixed within the stream, the reversing force and hence the reversing speed will increase as the energy level of the stream increases.

In accordance with the principles of the present invention the portion of the reversing reactant element providing a reactant surface area for efiecting the reversing. movement can be mounted on the reversing arm for resiliently biased pivotal movement in a manner similar to that of the impulse arm so as to automatically compensate for changes in the energy level of the stream and thus produce a generally constant reversing force and speed.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a part-circle sprinkler head of the type described having improved means for maintaining a generally constant reversing speed irrespective of the energy level of the stream.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a high capacity sprinkler head of the type described which is simple in construction, efficient in operation and economical to manufacture and maintain.

These and other objects of the present invention will become more apparent during the course of the following detailed description and appended claims.

The invention may best be understood with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein an illustrative embodiment is shown.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a high capacity sprinkler head embodying the principles of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the swivel and spring brake assembly of the sprinkler head shown in FIG. I with parts broken away for purposes of clearer illustration;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view taken substantially along the line 3-3 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged fragmentary top plan view of the impulse arm assembly showing the relationship of the reactant element thereof with the nozzle of the sprinkler body;

FIG. 5 is a sectional view taken along the line 5-5 of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a side elevational view of the structure shown in FIG. 4;

FIG. 7 is a view similar to FIG. 4 showing the movable vane of the reactant element in an operative position assumed under relatively high energy level stream conditions;

FIG. 8 is a fragmentary sectional view taken along the line 8 8 of FIG. 3;

FIG. 9 is a fragmentary sectional view taken along the line 9-9 of FIG. 3;

FIG. 10 is a fragmentary side elevational view of the reversing arm assembly showing the relationship of the reac tant element thereof with the nozzle of the sprinkler body;

FIG. 11 is a fragmentary top plan view of the structure shown in FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is a view similar to FIG. 11 showing the operative position of the reactant element under relatively high energy stream conditions; and

FIG. I3 is a fragmentary top plan view of the sprinkler head with certain parts broken away for purposes of clearer illustration, showing one position of adjustment of the can elements of the reversing arm actuating mechanism with the path of movement of the cam roller shown in phantom lines therein.

Referring now more particularly to the drawings, there is shown in FIG. 1 thereof a sprinkler head, generally indicated at 10, embodying the principles of the present invention. It will be understood that the sprinkler head 10 is adapted to be mounted on the upper end of a riser pipe, the lower end of which is communicated through suitable conduit to a source of water under pressure. Where the head 10 is used to sprinkler irrigate, the riser may be stationarily mounted in the field or may be carried by a traveling vehicle. For example, the

sprinkler head of the present invention would find particular utility in a traveling sprinkler irrigation device of the type disclosed in commonly assigned US. Pat. No. 3,507,336 dated Apr. 21, 1970.

The sprinkler head 10 of the present invention includes, in general, a swivel and spring brake assembly, generally indicated at 12, which is adapted to be connected at its lower end with the riser. A sprinkler body, generally indicated at 14, is connected with the upper end of the swivel and spring brake assembly in hydraulic communication with the riser pipe for directing the flow of water upwardly and outwardly, the swivel and spring brake assembly 12 mounting the sprinkler body for controlled rotational movement about a generally vertical axis. The sprinkler body 14 directs the water under pressure communicated therewith in a stream flowing therefrom in generally symmetrical relation to a plane passing through the axis of rotation.

An impulse arm assembly, generally indicated at 16, is pivotally mounted on the sprinkler body for oscillatory movement about an axis extending transverse to the aforesaid plane. The impulse arm assembly 16 includes a reactant means, generally indicated at 18, on the outer end thereof and is normally biased into a limited position wherein the reactant means 18 is disposed within the path of a stream issuing from the sprinkle body. The reactant means 18 is operable in response to the energy of a stream issuing from the sprinkler body to effect movement of the arm through repeated oscillatory cycles, each of which includes an impulse stroke wherein the reactant means leaves the stream and moves away from the latter in one direction and a return stroke wherein the reactant means moves in the opposite direction toward the stream and enters the latter. The reactant means 18 is also operable during the portion of each oscillatory cycle when it is disposed within the stream to impart an incremental rotational movement to the sprinkler head which is controlled by the swivel and spring brake assembly 12.

The sprinkler head 10 also includes a reversing arm assembly, generally indicated at 20, which is pivotally mounted on the sprinkler body for oscillatory movement about an axis extending transverse to the aforesaid plane and which, preferably, is concentric with the pivotal axis of the impulse arm assembly 16. The reversing arm assembly 20 includes a reversing reactant means 22 on the outer end thereof and is normally biased into a limited position wherein the reactant means 22 is disposed out of the path of a stream issuing from the sprinkler body. The reversing arm assembly 20 is adapted to be used when it is desired to sprinkler irrigate an area less than a full circle, as for example, a segmental portion of a circle proceeding from one end thereof to the opposite end thereof. The reversing arm assembly 20 is operable torotate the sprinkler head from the opposite end back to the one end and in order to accomplish this operation, there is provided a reversing arm actuating mechanism, generally indicated at 24, which is operable in response to the sprinkler body reaching the opposite end of its rotation to effect a pivotal movement of the reversing arm assembly from its normally biased position into a position wherein the reversing reactant means 22 is engaged by the stream issuing from the sprinkler body and maintained therein by the stream against its normal bias. The reversing arm actuating mechanism 24 is operable, in response to the reversing rotational movement of the sprinkler body back to its one end, to effect a pivotal movement of the reversing arm assembly 20 back into its normally biased position wherein the reactant element 22 is disposed out of the path of the stream.

Referring now more particularly to FIG. 2, there is shown therein a preferred embodiment of the swivel and spring brake assembly 12. While it will be understood the assembly 12 may assume many different forms, as shown, there is provided a lower fitting 26 having connecting means thereon for engagement with the upper end of the riser pipe as, for example, interior threads 28. The fitting 26 is provided with an annular flange 30 extending radially outwardly from the upper end thereof for sealing engagement with a radially extending annular flange 32 formed on the lower end of a.swivel housing member 34. Any suitable means may be provided for securing the fitting 26 and housing member together in sealing relation as, for example, a plurality of circumferentially spaced bolt assemblies 36 extending through the

flanges

30 and 32 and a sealing gasket 38 mounted between the

flanges

30 and 32.

Disposed within the swivel housing 34 is the lower end of an elbow member 40 which forms a part of the sprinkler body 14. As best shown in FIG. 2, the lower outer periphery of the elbow member 40 has a bearing sleeve 42 formed thereon which provides an exterior sealing surface for an O-ring 44 carried in a suitable annular groove formed on the interior periphery of the swivel housing 34. Formed on the outer periphery of the elbow member 40 in upwardly spaced relation from the bearing 42 is a downwardly facing annular shoulder 46 arranged to receive the inner race of a ball bearing assembly 48 thereagainst. The ball bearing assembly 48 may be retained in engagement with the shoulder 46 by any suitable means such as a retainer ring 50 or the like. The outer race of the ball bearing assembly 48 seats within an upwardly facing shoulder 52 formed in the upper interior periphery of the swivel housing 34.

The upper end of the swivel housing member 34 has an annular flange 54 extending radially outwardly therefrom which is provided with a series of circumferentially spaced vertical openings for receiving a corresponding series of bolt assemblies 56. The bolt assemblies 56 serve to fasten an annular cover member 58 on the upper surface of the flange 54 which has an inner peripheral portion disposed in engagement with the outer race of the ball bearing assembly 48.

Fonned on the exterior periphery of the elbow member 40 in vertically spaced relation to the cover member 58 is an annular flange 60 which extends radially outwardly therefrom. The flange 60 is formed with a series of circumferentially spaced openings for receiving a series of bolts 62 therethrough which threadedly engage within an annular friction ring 64 to thus secure the latter beneath the annular flange 60. The friction ring 64 includes an upwardly facing outer annular friction surface 66 which is engaged by a downwardly facing annular friction surface of a brake ring 68.

The brake ring 68 is provided with a series of circumferentially spaced apertured lugs and certain of the bolt assemblies 56 are provided with extensions 70 which extend upwardly therethrough. Mounted over each of the bolt extensions 70 is a spring spacer 72 disposed in engagement with the upper surface of the brake ring and having a coil spring 74 mounted in surrounding relation thereto. The upper end of each coil spring 74 is engaged by a washer 76 and a nut 78 threaded on the upper extremity of the bolt extension 70 serves as a means for adjusting the brake spring pressure. It will be noted that the outer peripheral portion of the friction ring 64 and adjacent peripheral portion of the cover 58 are formed with outwardly diverging annular surfaces for receiving an annular Oring seal 80 in sealing engagement therewith.

The elbow member 40, which forms a part of the sprinkler body, curves upwardly from the flange 60 and has an auxiliary outlet 82 communicating with the interior thereof having its axis disposed at an angle of approximately 20 with respect to the horizontal. As shown, the auxiliary outlet 82 has a plug 84 sealingly secured within the outer end thereof, although it will be understood that the plug may be replaced with a suitable spreader nozzle if desired, in accordance with conventional practice. The elbow member 40 also includes a vertical opening 86 extending downwardly into communication with the interior thereof which likewise is normally plugged but which, when the plug is removed, is adapted to receive a pressure gauge G, as shown in FIG. 1.

Fixedly secured to the upper end of the elbow member 40, as by welding or the like, is the lower end of a tubular barrel member 88 which likewise forms a part of the sprinkler body 14. As best shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the inner periphery of the barrel member is provided with a series of circumferentially spaced flow guiding fins or ribs 90 which extend radially inwardly from the interior periphery thereof. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the axis of the tubular barrel member 88 is disposed at an angle of approximately 27 with respect to the horizontal although it will be understood that this angle may be varied. For example, an angle of approximately 21 is desirable where it is expected that the sprinkler head will be used extensively under strong wind conditions.

Detachably secured to the upper outer end of the barrel member 88 is a nozzle member 92. It will be understood that the nozzle member 92 may be provided with a tapered bore orifice in which case it is necessary to replace the entire nozzle member to change the orifice size. Alternatively, the nozzle member may have a ring insert detachably secured therein which forms the outlet orifice providing the operator with the option of changing orifice size merely by the selection of a desired ring size. Exemplary taper bore nozzle member sizes in diameter dimension expressed in inches, are 1.05, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6 and 1.75. Exemplary ring insert orifice sizes are 1%, 1%, 1%, 1%, 1%, and 2.

Referring now more particularly to FIG. 3, the preferred manner of pivotally mounting the impulse arm assembly 16 to the sprinkler body 14 is shown therein. Fixedly secured, by any suitable means, such as welding or the like, to the upper periphery of the barrel member 88, in spaced relation to the nozzle member 92, is a saddle member 94. The saddle member 94 is provided with a transverse bore 96 through which a shaft 98 extends with its ends disposed outwardly on each side of the barrel member 88. The impulse arm assembly 16 includes a tubular hub portion 100 within which one end of the shaft 98 is disposed. The hub 100 is joumaled on the shaft by any suitable means, such as a pair of axially spaced roller bearing assemblies 102 mounted between the inner periphery of the hub portion and the outer periphery of the shaft. The inner races of the bearing assemblies are retained in spaced relation by a spacer sleeve 104 disposed in surrounding relation to the shaft between the bearing assemblies.

Pivotally mounted on the portion of the shaft 98 between the impulse arm assembly 16 and the saddle member 98 is a counterweight member 106. The counterweight member includes a tubular hub portion 108 which is journaled] on the shaft 98 by any suitable means, such as a ball bearing assembly 110 having its outer race engaged with the inner periphery of the hub portion 108 and its inner race engaged with the periphery of the shaft 98. The counterweight member 106 is maintained in axially spaced relation between file impulse arm assembly and the saddle 94 by a spacer sleeve 112, similar to the sleeve 104 positioned between the inner races of the adjacent bearing assemblies of the impulse arm assembly and the counterweight member and a centering spacer 114, one end of which engages the inner race of the bearing assembly 112 and the opposite end of which is formed into a frustoconical configuration to engate within a similarly shaped surface on the adjacent end of the bore 96.

The outer end of the shaft 98 has a nut 116 threadedly engaged thereon which nut contacts the inner race of the adjacent bearing assembly 102. The portion of the shaft adjacent the opposite end of the bore 96 includes an enlarged section 1 18 upon which a centering nut 120 is threadedly engaged. It can be seen that the bearing assemblies and spacers as well as the shaft 98 will be fixedly secured to the saddle member 94 by tightening the

nuts

116 and 120.

Preferably, the bearing

assemblies

102 and 110 are sealed for lifetime lubrication. To this end, a cap 122 is detachably engaged within the outer end of the hub portion 100, as by a retainer ring 124, the cap having an O-ring 126 providing a seal for the periphery of the hub portion adjacent its outer end. The opposite inner end of the hub portion is sealed by an annular sealing assembly 128 of any conventional design. In a like manner, the opposite ends of the hub portion 108 are provided with annular sealing assemblies 130 which likewise may be of any conventional design.

Referring now more particularly to FIG. 8, it will be noted that the impulse arm assembly is formed with a lug 132 which extends transversely beyond the hub portion in rearwardly spaced relation thereto. The lug 132 includes a lower abutment surface 134 which is adapted to engate an upwardly facing abutment surface 136 provided on the saddle member 94 in the path of movement of the abutment surface 134. The position of the hub portion of the impulse arm assembly with respect to the reactant element 18 on the forward end thereof and with respect to a counterweight 138 on the opposite end thereof is such that the impulse arm assembly under static conditions is biased to pivot in a clockwise direction as viewed in FIG. 8. This normal biased clockwise movement is limited by the engagement of abutment surfaces 134 and 136. In this way, when the sprinkler head is not in operation, the impulse arm assembly 16 is normally biased into a limiting position in which the reactant element 18 is disposed in a position to be engaged by the stream when operation is commenced by communicating the sprinkler head with a source of water under pressure. While the counterweight 138 is of a size to normally bias the reactant element 18 upwardly into its normal limiting position, the shape of the counterweight 138 is chosen so as to present a surface area generally equal to the surface area of the reactant element so as to minimize the tendency of the impulse arm assembly to be moved by high winds.

As best shown in FIG. 8, the counterweight member 106 is positioned substantially entirely in one radial direction from the hub portion 108 and is retained in a position extending in a direction generally parallel with the extent of the barrel member 88. To this end, the saddle member 94 is formed with a transversely extending lug 140 which is apertured to threadedly receive a bumper member 142. The counterweight member 106 includes an integral transversely extending lug 144 disposed in a position to engage the bumper member 142 when the counterweight member is disposed in its normal inoperative position as shown in FIG. 8. The rearwardly and downwardly facing surface of the bumper member 140 and the forwardly and upwardly facing surface of the lug 144 constitute interengaging abutments which retain the counterweight member in its normal inoperative position when the impulse arm assembly 16 is in its normal inoperative position.

The counterweight member 106 also includes a second radially extending lug 146 which is adapted to be engaged by a bumper member 148 threadedly engaged within the lug 132 of the impulse arm assembly. With this arrangement, during the pivotal movement of the impulse arm assembly away from its normal inoperative position, after a travel of approximately 63, the forwardly facing abutment surface of the bumper member 148 will engage the rearwardly facing abutment surface of the lug 146 so that in subsequent pivotal movement during the impulse stroke the counterweight member 106 is carried with the impulse arm. Likewise, during the initial portion of the return stroke, the counterweight member 106 becomes effectively a part of the impulse arm assembly until the abutment surface of the lug 144 engages the abutment surface of the bumper 142 at which time the movement of the counterweight member is stopped while the impulse arm assembly continues to move through the completion of its return stroke.

Referring now more particularly to FIGS. 4-7, the construction of the reactant means 18, which forms an important part of the present invention, can best be seen. The reactant means 18 includes an arm attaching element 150 one end portion of which is rigidly secured to the outer end of the impulse arm assembly 16 by any suitable means, such as a pair of bolt assemblies 152. One or more of the openings through which the bolt assemblies 152 extend may be transversely elongated to permit the attaching element to be precisely positioned and secured. Such an adjustment however is provided for manufacturing accuracy to compensate for the tolerances in the manufacture. it is contemplated that the securement of the attaching element 150 to the impulse arm assembly will be a permanent rigid factory securement and it is not intended that the adjustment provided is for the the operator after purchase.

As best shown in FIG. 5, the arm attaching element 150 extends laterally outwardly from one side of the impulse arm assembly l6 and then upwardly and outwardly at an angle of approximately 45. The outer end portion of the attaching element is best upwardly and then at a right angle inwardly to provide a stream engaging end portion 154. The stream engaging edge of the portion 154 is formed with a downwardly and outwardly facing reactant surface area 156 which serves to initially engage the stream during the return stroke of the impulse arm assembly and to deflect the stream downwardly so as to establish a reaction force on the impulse arm assembly tending to move the reaction arm farther into the stream and toward its limiting position.

The reactant means 18 further includes a movable reactant element generally indicated at 158. As best shown in FIGS. 4-6 the movable reactant element is formed from a plate or the like and positioned to have a vanelike effect on the stream so as to deflect the movement of the stream and as a result of this deflection establish an impulse force which acts on the impulse arm assembly through a lever arm greater than the lever arm of the reactant force established by the reactant surface area 156. The major portion of the reactant element provides a relatively flat central reactant area 160. The lower longitudinal edge of the reactant area 160 is bounded by a wall 162 which extends upwardly from the surface at right angles thereto and the other longitudinal edge of the reactant surface area 160 is bounded by a wall 164 which extends forwardly therefrom at an angle of approximately 135.

As shown, the reactant element 158 is preferably made of a rigid material such as metal or the like and is pivotally mounted with respect to the attaching element 150 and spring urged into a normal limiting position. It will be understood that equivalent arrangements may be utilized as, for example, the reactant element could be made of a resilient material itself so as to permit resilient yielding movement. As shown, however, the adjacent edge portions of the movable element 158 and attaching elements are provided with pairs of aligned

lugs

166 and 168 respectively, each pair of adjacent aligned lugs having a pivot pin 170 extending therethrough. As shown, the pivotal axis provided by the pivot pins 170 is at an angle of approximately 45 both with respect to the pivot axis of the impulse arm assembly 16 and the rotational axis of the sprinkler body. The reactant surface area 160 extends parallel the the pivotal axis provided by the pivot pins 170 and in its normally biased position extends at an angle of approximately 35 from the adjacent surface of the attaching element 150.

The resilient biasing of the movable reactant element 158, as shown, is provided by a helical tension spring 172 having one end thereof connected with a lug 174 extending upwardly from the attaching element at a point adjacent the impulse arm. The opposite end of the spring 172 is connected with an upstanding lug 176 rigidly attached to the adjacent portion of the reactant element 158.

purpose of adjustment by OPERATION OF THE IMPULSE ARM ASSEMBLY As previously noted, when the sprinkler head 10 is in an inoperative condition, the mass of the counterweight 138 on the rearward end of the impulse arm assembly 16 is such as to bias the impulse arm to pivot in a clockwise direction as viewed in FIG. 8. This pivotal movement is limited by the engagement of abutment surface 134 of the lug 132 fixed to the impulse arm assembly with the surface 136 formed on the saddle member 94 and fixed with respect to the barrel member 88 (see FIG. 8). When disposed in the normally biased limiting position with

abutment surfaces

134 and 136 in engagement, the reactant means 18 is disposed so as to be in the path of the stream issuing from the nozzle 92 where the sprinkler head is in communication with a source of water under pressure. This normally biased limiting position of the reactant means constitutes the maximum extent to which the reactant means enters the stream and, consequently, upon establishment of communication of a source of water under pressure with the sprinkler head 10, the impulse arm assembly will commence operation.

The action of the stream on the reactant means 18 when the latter is disposed within the stream is such as to effect oscillatory cycles of the impulse arm and incremental rotational movement of the sprinkler body about its axis of rotation. The oscillatory cycle includes an impulse stroke during which the reactant means leaves the stream and moves in a direction away from the stream and a return stroke in which the reactant means moves toward the stream and then enters the stream.

As can be seen in FIG 6, the reactant surface area 156 will present first a sharp edge and then a surface so disposed with respect to the direction of the stream as to create a component of force that will tend to pull the reactant arm into the stream and toward its limiting position.

During the time that the reactant means 18 is within the 'stream, the stream will impinge upon the movable reactant element 158 and be deflected as shown in FIGS. 4, 6 and 7. The angular dispositions of the reactant surface area 160 and

walls

162 and 164 with respect to the direction of the stream are such that the deflection of the stream will create a resultant reaction force, one component of which will be generally tangent to the pivotal axis of the impulse arm 16 and of sufficient magnitude to move the impulse arm through its impulse stroke. Another component also will'be established which will be generally tangent to the rotational axis of the sprinkler body and sufficient to impart an incremental rotational movement to the sprinkler body under the control of the swivel and spring brake assembly 12. A preferred angular disposition of reactant surface area 160 in its normally biased position is 35 from the adjacent surface of the attaching element 150.

As previously noted, the distribution effectiveness of the sprinkler head on the area to be watered is determined by the rate of incremental rotation of the sprinkler body about its rotational axis. In addition, since the entrance of the reactant means 18 into the stream is utilized to break up the stream and provide adequate water to the portion of the area to be sprinkled proximate the sprinkler head, the distribution effectiveness is further determined to this extent by the oscillatory rate of the impulse arm assembly.

Efficient agricultural sprinkling irrigation requires that the precipitation rate be maintained within a relatively limited range. It is important that enough water be provided to insure penetration to the roots of the plants, whereas the application of too much water will result in inefficient runoff.

An important functional attribute of the present sprinkler head is that it is capable of maintaining a generally constant precipitation rate throughout a wide range of pressure source conditions and throughout a wide range of nozzle sizes. This generally constant precipitation rate is obtained by maintaining a generally constant incremental rotation rate of the sprinkler body and a generally constant oscillatory rate of the impulse arm assembly. FIGS. 4 and 7 illustrate how the reactant means 18 of the present invention functions under different pressure sources conditions to achieve this result. FIG. 4 is illustrative of the operation of the reactant means 18 under a pressure condition that is low relative to the pressure condition exemplified in FIG. 7. In FIG. 4, the energy of the stream issuing from the nozzle which is substantially all in the form of velocity energy is insufficient to overcome the biasing force of spring 172 to pivot the reactant element 158 about the pivot axis provided by the pivot pins 170. As a result, the surface area on the reactant element 158 that is impacted by the stream will effect a maximum stream deflection with a pressure condition that is insufficient to pivot reactant element 158.

FIG. 7 illustrates the operation of the reactant means 18 under a higher pressure condition than shown in FIG. 4. The energy of the stream is represented to be of a magnitude sufficient to pivot the reactant element 158 thereby distending the spring 172. As a result of this pivot movement of the reactant element 158, the angular orientation of the surface area on the reactant element 158 will effect a smaller degree of stream deflection in the course of time elapsed during the stream s impingement thereon.

Since the resultant force acting on reactant element 158 is a function of the product of the velocity energy of the stream and the angle of stream deflection, it will be seen that the magnitude of the resultant force is maintained at an approximately constant value throughout a wide range of pressure source conditions and throughout a wide range of nozzle sizes due to the variability of the effective angle of the reactant surface area in direct response to a variation in pressure source condition within the range. More specifically, for every increase in the energy level of the stream, there will be a corresponding decrease in the angle of stream deflection by virtue of the angular movement of reactant element 158 away from the stream.

It will be understood that as the resultant force acting on the reactant element 158 is maintained at a generally constant value, the component force tending to move the impulse arm through its impulse stroke and the component force tending to impart an incremental rotational movement to the sprinkler body will both be maintained at an approximately constant value for the same wide range of pressure source conditions and nozzle sizes.

It can be seen therefore, that since the force components which effect the impulse stroke of the impulse arm and the intermittent rotational movement of the sprinkler body are generally constant irrespective of the pressure source conditions, the rate of impulse arm oscillation and the rate of incre mental rotation of the sprinkler body and, hence, the distribution effectiveness will be generally constant irrespective of the pressure source conditions. Similarly, since the reactant means 18 is self-compensating for changes in the energy level of the stream a generally constant distribution effectiveness will be achieved throughout a range of nozzle sizes since the effect of a change in nozzle size is the same as the effect of change in pressure source, namely, to change the energy level of the stream.

DESCRIPTION OF THE REVERSING ARM ASSEMBLY It will be understood that the sprinkler head as thus far described is capable of operation where the pattern of precipitation is a full circle. A reversing arm assembly 20 and reversing arm actuating mechanism 24 utilized therewith is readily adaptable for use with other sprinkler heads and the sprinkler head 10, thus far described, can be utilized with other reversing arm assemblies and mechanisms. However, the reversing arm assembly 20 and the actuating mechanism 24 constitute a preferable construction in the present sprinkler head 10 where it is desired to irrigate in a pattern of less than a full circle.

Referring again to FIG. 3, the reversing arm assembly 20 includes a hub portion 172 which is joumaled on the shaft 98 by any suitable means, such as spaced sleeve bearings 174. A nut 176 is threadedly engaged on the adjacent extremity of the shaft to retain the hub portion in operative position on the shaft 98.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 9, the reversing arm assembly 20 includes a rearward extension 178, the extension having a transversely, inwardly extending lug 180 formed integrally thereof. The lug 180 includes a downwardly and forwardly facing abutment surface which is adapted to engage an adjacent upwardly and rearwardly facing abutment surface 182, fonned on the saddle member 94.

The rearward end of the extension 178 is grooved to receive one end of a spring 184, the opposite end of which is anchored in a manner hereinafter more fully described. Spring 184 serves to resiliently bias the reversing arm assembly 20 into a limiting position wherein the abutment surface of the lug 180 is disposed in engagement with the abutment surface 182. With the reversing arm assembly 20 in the inoperative limiting position, as shown in FIG. 1, the reversing reactant element 22 is disposed out of the stream issuing from the nozzle '92.

Referring to FIG. 9, the reversing arm assembly 20 also includes a second transversely inwardly extending lug 186 which is apertured to threadedly receive a stop element 188. The stop element includes a downwardly and forwardly facing abutment surface which is adapted to engage an upwardly and rearwardly facing abutment surface 190 formed on the saddle member 94. The engagement of the abutment surface 190 by the abutment surface of the lug 188 serves to limit the pivotal movement of the reversing arm assembly 20 in an operative limiting position wherein the reactant element 22 is engaged within the stream issuing from noule 92.

Referring to FIGS. 10, l1 and 12, it will be noted that the reversing reactant element 22 is formed as an integral part of the outer end of the reversing arm assembly 20. The reversing reactant element 22 has a laterally extending wall 192 formed with a leveling surface 194 which is inclined at an angle of approximately 45 with respect to the direction of the flow of the stream when the reactant element 22 is disposed in its operative limiting position. The surface 194 provides a reactant area which, when engaged by the stream, establishes a force component generally tangent to the pivot axis of the reversing arm assembly which maintains the reactant arm assembly in its operative position against the bias of the spring 184.

The reversing reactant element 22 also includes a second wall 196 which extends perpendicularly from the outer edge of the wall 192. The wall 196 is provided at its edge approximate leveling surface 194 with a bore designated 201 disposed to receive and engate one end of a pivot pin 195. Movable reversing reactant means are provided in the form of a reversing reactant surface element 198 which is mounted at one end by means of a bore 197 which engages pivot pin for pivotal movement about the axis of pin 195. Reactant surface element 198 is provided at its end remote from bore 197 with spring guiding means in the form of a depression 203 which is disposed in alignment with a depression located on the opposing face of wall 196. A helical coil spring is disposed between wall 196 and the reversing reactant element 198 with one end engaging the depression in wall 196 and its other end engaging the depression in element 198. The reversing reactant surface element 198 is provided with a downwardly extending lug 199 at its lower corner remote from the bore 197. Lug 199 is provided to cooperate with a notch 193 formed in the wall 192 whereby the opposite walls of the notch 193 provide abutment stops to limit the angular movement of the reversing reactant surface element 198.

The reversing arm actuating mechanism 24 preferably in cludes a lever arm 200, the upper end of which is integrally formed with hub portion 712 of the reversing arm assembly and the lower end of which is apertured to receive a pivot pin 202. The pivot pin also extends through a clevis 204 which is connected to one end of an elongated connecting rod 206. As best shown in FIG. 1, it will be noted that the lower end of the biasing spring 184 is connected with the clevis 204.

The rearward end of the connecting rod 206 is bent transversely and pivotally engaged, as indicated at 208, within an apertured boss formed on one leg of a generally Y-shaped yokelike lever 210. As best shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the legs of the lever 210 pivotally embrace the upper end of the elbow member 40. The lower extremity of the lever 210 is provided with a cam roller 216 which is adapted to cooperate with a pair of cam members, generally indicated at 218 and 220.

As best shown in FIGS. 2 and 13, the outer periphery of the cover member 58 includes an upwardly extending annular flange 222. Each of the

cam members

218 and 220 are ar ranged to be mounted on the annular flange 222 in any desired position of circumferential adjustment thereon. To this end, each of the cam members is provided with throat 224 which engages over the flange 222 and provides a space beneath the flange. A tightening element 226 is disposed in each space and connected with the associated cam member in each space and connected with the associated cam member for relative vertical movement with respect thereto, as by a pin 228 extending through appropriate lugs formed on the associated cam member and the tightening element 226, respectively, Each cam element also includes a depending, apertured boss 230 within which a securing bolt 232 is threadedly engaged. It can be seen that by tightening the bolt 232, the inner end thereof will engage the tightening element 226 which, in turn, will move up into tight frictional engagement with the under surface of the flange, to thereby secure the cam member in adjusted position on the flange 222.

As best shown in FIG. 13, the cam member 218 includes an upstanding wall 234 defining an inwardly facing cam surface 236. The cam member 220 includes an upstanding wall 238 defining an outwardly facing and inclined cam surface 240.

OPERATION OF THE REVERSING ARM ASSEMBLY Where it is desired to irrigate in a part circle pattern, the

cam members

218 and 220 are first adjustably positioned along the annular flange 222, in the manner previously described, to correspond with the ends of the sprinkler pattern, the cam member 218 being positioned to define the trailing end of the pattern where the operative rotation ends and the reverse rotation begins and the cam member 220 being positioned to define the leading end of the pattern where the reverse rotation ends and the operative rotation begins.

It will be understood that during normal operation of the sprinkler head 10, the reversing arm assembly is biased by the spring 184 to an inoperative limiting position wherein the reversing reactant element 22 is disposed out of the path of the stream. The path of the center line of the cam roller 216 during the incremental rotational movement of the sprinkler body about its axis of rotation in the operative direction is shown in the phantom line indicated by a zero in FIG. 13. As the sprinkler body reaches the end of its part circle pattern, the cam roller 216 will engage the outer end of the cam surface 236 and, upon further operative rotation of the sprinkler body, the cam roller 216 will be moved by the cam surface 236 in a generally radially inward direction towards the axis of rotation. This movement of the cam roller pivots the lever 210 in a clockwise direction as viewed in FIG. 1 which motion is transmitted to the reversing arm assembly through connec tion link 206 and lever arm 200. During this clockwise pivotal motion of the reversing arm assembly, the reactant element 22 thereon will be moved into the stream issuing from the nozzle. As soon as the stream engages the surface 194, the action of the stream thereon will establish a force having a component tangential to the pivotal axis of the reversing arm assembly which will move the reversing arm assembly farther into the stream until the abutment surface of lug 188 engages the abut ment surface 190. The action of the stream on the surface 194 tends to maintain the reactant element 22 within the stream in its operative limiting position against the bias of the spring 184.

During the time that the reactant element 22 is within the stream, the stream will impinge upon the movable reactant surface element 198 and be deflected as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12. The angular disposition of the reactant surface element 198 with respect to the direction of the stream in such that the deflection of the stream will create a resultant reaction force having a component tangent to the axis of rotation of the sprinkler body and of sufficient magnitude to move the sprinkler body in a reverse direction. A preferred angular disposition of reactant surface element 198 with respect to the direction of the stream is such that a portion of the stream will be deflected through an angle of approximately 40 when lug 199 is in contact with the wall of notch 193 remote from wall 196 (see FIG. 11) and through an angle of approximately when lug 199 is in contact with the other wall of notch 193 (see FIG. 12).

As previously set forth, it is desirable to limit the reversing speed of the sprinkler body 10 by the reversing mechanism so as to prevent possible damage and to maintain a generally constant reversing speed so as to maintain a constant cycle speed. To obtain this result, the operative principle embodied in the structure of the movable impulse reactant element 158 is adapted for application to the structure of the reversing mechanism. FIGS. 11 and 12 illustrate how the reversing reactant element 22 of the present invention functions under different pressure source conditions to achieve the desired operation.

FIG. 11 illustrates the operation of the reactant surface element 198 under a pressure condition that is low relative to the pressure condition represented in FIG. 12. It can be seen that reactant surface element 198 functions in a manner analogous to the operation of the impulse reactant element 158 as shown in FIG. 4 with the difference that the angular disposition of reactant surface element 198 with respect to the stream is such that the deflection of the stream will create almost exclusively one component of force that is tangent to the axis of rotation of the sprinkler body to move the sprinkler body in a reversing direction.

More specifically, the energy level of the stream, as represented in FIG. 11, is insufficient to pivot element 198 about its axis against the bias of spring 191. As a result, the stream is deflected through an angle that is greater than that shown in FIG. 12 which exemplifies the operation of the reactant surface element 198 under a higher pressure source condition.

As noted previously, the resultant force as well as its component are functions of the product of the velocity energy of the stream and the angle of stream deflection. It can be seen that, since as the velocity energy level of the stream increases, the angle of stream deflection decreases, the magnitude of the resultant reaction force and its component are maintained at an approximately constant value throughout a wide range of pressure source conditions and throughout a wide range of novel sizes.

Since the reactant surface element 198 automatically compensates for changes in the energy level of the stream, a generally constant distribution effectiveness will be achieved during each reversing cycle as well as a uniform reversing speed.

The path of movement of the center cam roller 216 is shown in the phantom line indicated at R in FIG. 13. When the cam roller 216 engages the cam surface 238 on the cam member 220 during this movement, the cam roller 216 will be moved in a generally radially outward direction by the cam surface 238. This outward radial movement is transmitted through the lever 210, connecting rod 206 and lever arm 200 to the reversing arm assembly 20 to move the reactant element 22 out of the stream permitting it to be biased into its inoperative limiting position by the spring 184.

The reversing arm assembly 20 and its actuating mechanism 24 includes two significant functional attributes. First, since the reversing am is maintained in its operative position by the stream itself, in the event that the pressure source should be shut off during a reverse stroke, the reversing arm mechanism will be biased into its inoperative limiting position as soon as the streams stops. Thus, when the operation is again commenced, the sprinkler head will proceed in a normal operative fashion to the end of the pattern before the reversing stroke is accomplished. The arrangement prevents an accidental start up in the reverse stroke. Second, the cam and the cam roller arrangement for effecting the initial movement of the reversing arm assembly into and out of the stream are overriding in operation thus eliminating any severe shocks or damage that could occur where positive stops are provided for efi'ecting movement of the reversing arm mechanism. As shown in FIG. 13, each of the cam surfaces 236 and 240 are disposed out of engagement with the cam roller when the associated radial movement of the cam roller 216 is accomplished.

shown and described only for the purpose of illustrating the principles of this invention and is subject to extensive change without departure from such principles, Therefore, this invention includes all modifications encompassed within the spirit and scope of the following claims,

What is claimed is:

l. A sprinkler head comprising a sprinkler body having an inlet and an outlet,

means for mounting said sprinkler body for controlled rota tional movement about a generally vertical axis with said inlet in communication with a conduit arranged to communicate a source of water under pressure therewith,

said outlet being disposed to direct water under pressure communicated with said inlet in a stream flowing therefrom in a direction upwardly and outwardly in generally symmetrical relation to a plane passing through the axis of rotation,

an impulse arm mounted with respect to said sprinkler body for pivotal movement about an axis transverse to said plane through repeated oscillatory cycles each including an impulse stroke and a return stroke, said impulse arm being biased to move through its return stroke into a limiting position,

said impulse arm having reactant means thereon providing surface area engageable by the stream issuing from said outlet when said impulse arm is disposed in said limiting position for changing the direction of movement of the stream engaged thereby to establish an impulse force having (1) a component tangential to the pivotal axis of said impulse arm for effecting an impulse stroke thereof. and (2) a component tangential to the rotational axis of said sprinkler body for effecting an incremental rotational movement thereof in one direction, and

means mounting said reactant means on said impulse arm for movement with respect to said impulse arm into different positions varying the change in direction of the movement of the stream engaged thereby in response to variations in the energy of the engaged stream so as to maintain the impulse force established thereby generally constant and hence the impulse stroke of the impulse arm and the incremental rotation of said sprinkler body effected thereby generally constant throughout a relatively wide range of variations in the energy of the stream.

2. A sprinkler head as defined in claim 1 wherein said reactant means comprises a reactant element and said mounting means comprises a pivotal connection between said reactant element and said impulse arm providing for pivotal movement of said reactant element about an axis spaced from and disposed at an angle with respect to both the axis of oscillatory movement of said impulse arm and the axis of rotation of said sprinkler body and spring means resiliently maintaining said reactant element in said limiting position when the size and energy level of the stream engaged thereby is at a relatively low predetermined valve and yieldingly permitting pivotal movement away from said limiting position an amount which increase generally proportionally to the increase in the size and energy level of the engaged stream above said relatively low predetermined value.

3. A sprinkler head as defined in claim 2 wherein said pivotal axis of said impulse arm is perpendicular to the rotational axis of said sprinkler body and wherein the pivotal axis of said reactant element is disposed at an angle of approximately 45 with respect to both the pivotal axis of said impulse arm and the rotational axis of said sprinkler body.

4. A sprinkler head as defined in claim 3 wherein the reactant area of said reactant element is primarily provided by a flat surface portion disposed in a plane parallel with the pivotal axis of said reactant element.

5. A sprinkler head as defined in claim 1 including a reversing arm pivotally mounted with respect to said sprinkler body of oscillatory movement between operative and inoperative positions,

said reversing arm having reversing reactant means thereon providing surface area engageable by the stream issuing from said outlet when said reversing arm is disposed in said operative position for changing the direction of movement of the stream engaged thereby to establish a reversing force having a component tangential to the rotational axis of said sprinkler body for effecting reversing rotational movement in the opposite direction,

means mounting said reversing reactant means on said reversing arm for movement with respect to said reversing arm into difierent positions varying the change in direction of the movement of the stream engaged thereby in response to variations in the energy of the engaged stream so as to maintain the reversing force established thereby generally constant and hence the reversing rotation of said sprinkler body effected thereby generally constant throughout a relatively wide range of variations in the energy level of the stream, and

means for effecting movement of said reversing arm between said operative and inoperative positions.

6. A part circle sprinkler head comprising a sprinkler body having an inlet and an outlet,

means for mounting said sprinkler body for controlled rotational movement about a generally vertical axis with said inlet in communication with a conduit arranged to communicate a source of water under pressure therewith,

an impulse arm pivotally mounted with respect to said sprinkler body for oscillatory movement and having a reactant element thereon,

said impulse arm being normally biased into a limiting position wherein said reactant element is disposed within the path of a stream issuing from said outlet and having means thereon operable l) in response to the energy of a stream issuing from said outlet to move through repeated oscillatory cycles each of which includes an impulse stroke wherein said reactant element leaves the stream and moves away from the latter in one direction and a return stroke wherein said reactant element moves in the opposite direction toward said stream and enters the latter, and (2) during each oscillatory cycle thereof to effect controlled incremental rotational movement of said sprinkler body in one direction,

a reversing arm pivotally mounted with respect to said sprinkler body of oscillatory movement between operative and inoperative positions,

means mounting said reversing reactant means on said reversing arm for movement with respect to said reversing arm into different positions varying the change in direction of the movement of the stream engaged thereby in response to variations in the energy of the engaged stream so as to maintain the reversing force established thereby generally constant and hence the reversing rotation of said sprinkler body efiected thereby generally constant throughout a relatively wide range of variations in the energy level of the stream, and

i k i l

Claims

1. A sprinkler head comprising a sprinkler body having an inlet and an outlet, means for mounting said sprinkler body for controlled rotational movement about a generally vertical axis with said inlet in communication with a conduit arranged to communicate a source of water under pressure therewith, said outlet being disposed to direct water under pressure communicated with said inlet in a stream flowing therefrom in a direction upwardly and outwardly in generally symmetrical relation to a plane passing through the axis of rotation, an impulse arm mounted with respect to said sprinkler body for pivotal movement about an axis transverse to said plane through repeated oscillatory cycles each including an impulse stroke and a return stroke, said impulse arm being biased to move through its return stroke into a limiting position, said impulse arm having reactant means thereon providing surface area engageable by the stream issuing from said outlet when said impulse arm is disposed in said limiting position for changing the direction of movement of the stream engaged thereby to establish an impulse force having (1) a component tangential to the pivotal axis of said impulse arm for effecting an impulse stroke thereof, and (2) a component tangential to the rotational axis of said sprinkler body for effecting an incremental rotational movement thereof in one direction, and means mounting said reactant means on said impulse arm for movement with respect to said impulse arm into different positions varying the change in direction of the movement of the stream engaged thereby in response to variations in the energy of the engaged stream so as to maintain the impulse force established thereby generally constant and hence the impulse stroke of the impulse arm and the increMental rotation of said sprinkler body effected thereby generally constant throughout a relatively wide range of variations in the energy of the stream.

2. A sprinkler head as defined in claim 1 wherein said reactant means comprises a reactant element and said mounting means comprises a pivotal connection between said reactant element and said impulse arm providing for pivotal movement of said reactant element about an axis spaced from and disposed at an angle with respect to both the axis of oscillatory movement of said impulse arm and the axis of rotation of said sprinkler body and spring means resiliently maintaining said reactant element in said limiting position when the size and energy level of the stream engaged thereby is at a relatively low predetermined valve and yieldingly permitting pivotal movement away from said limiting position an amount which increases generally proportionally to the increase in the size and energy level of the engaged stream above said relatively low predetermined value.

3. A sprinkler head as defined in claim 2 wherein said pivotal axis of said impulse arm is perpendicular to the rotational axis of said sprinkler body and wherein the pivotal axis of said reactant element is disposed at an angle of approximately 45* with respect to both the pivotal axis of said impulse arm and the rotational axis of said sprinkler body.

5. A sprinkler head as defined in claim 1 including a reversing arm pivotally mounted with respect to said sprinkler body of oscillatory movement between operative and inoperative positions, said reversing arm having reversing reactant means thereon providing surface area engageable by the stream issuing from said outlet when said reversing arm is disposed in said operative position for changing the direction of movement of the stream engaged thereby to establish a reversing force having a component tangential to the rotational axis of said sprinkler body for effecting reversing rotational movement in the opposite direction, means mounting said reversing reactant means on said reversing arm for movement with respect to said reversing arm into different positions varying the change in direction of the movement of the stream engaged thereby in response to variations in the energy of the engaged stream so as to maintain the reversing force established thereby generally constant and hence the reversing rotation of said sprinkler body effected thereby generally constant throughout a relatively wide range of variations in the energy level of the stream, and means for effecting movement of said reversing arm between said operative and inoperative positions.

6. A part circle sprinkler head comprising a sprinkler body having an inlet and an outlet, means for mounting said sprinkler body for controlled rotational movement about a generally vertical axis with said inlet in communication with a conduit arranged to communicate a source of water under pressure therewith, said outlet being disposed to direct water under pressure communicated with said inlet in a stream flowing therefrom in a direction upwardly and outwardly in generally symmetrical relation to a plane passing through the axis of rotation, an impulse arm pivotally mounted with respect to said sprinkler body for oscillatory movement and having a reactant element thereon, said impulse arm being normally biased into a limiting position wherein said reactant element is disposed within the path of a stream issuing from said outlet and having means thereon operable (1) in response to the energy of a stream issuing from said outlet to move through repeated oscillatory cycles each of which includes an impulse stroke wherein said reactant element leaves the stream and moves away from the latTer in one direction and a return stroke wherein said reactant element moves in the opposite direction toward said stream and enters the latter, and (2) during each oscillatory cycle thereof to effect controlled incremental rotational movement of said sprinkler body in one direction, a reversing arm pivotally mounted with respect to said sprinkler body of oscillatory movement between operative and inoperative positions, said reversing arm having reversing reactant means thereon providing surface area engageable by the stream issuing from said outlet when said reversing arm is disposed in said operative position for changing the direction of movement of the stream engaged thereby to establish a reversing force having a component tangential to the rotational axis of said sprinkler body for effecting reversing rotational movement in the opposite direction, means mounting said reversing reactant means on said reversing arm for movement with respect to said reversing arm into different positions varying the change in direction of the movement of the stream engaged thereby in response to variations in the energy of the engaged stream so as to maintain the reversing force established thereby generally constant and hence the reversing rotation of said sprinkler body effected thereby generally constant throughout a relatively wide range of variations in the energy level of the stream, and means for effecting movement of said reversing arm between said operative and inoperative positions.