US3921912A

US3921912A - Lawn sprinkler

Info

Publication number: US3921912A
Application number: US486587A
Authority: US
Inventors: Jerry R Hayes
Original assignee: LR Nelson Corp
Current assignee: LR Nelson Corp
Priority date: 1974-05-06
Filing date: 1974-07-08
Publication date: 1975-11-25
Anticipated expiration: 1992-11-25
Also published as: CA1035393A; AU8088175A; FR2345911B1; DE2517243A1; FR2345911A1; GB1508179A

Abstract

A rotary-type lawn sprinkler that is reversibly rotatable through any angle. The angle is set by means on the exterior of the sprinkler while the reversing is fluidic and takes place completely within the sprinkler. A slip clutch allows manual rotation of the sprinkler head. The nozzle is angularly adjustable in a vertical plane through 80*, and the nozzle diffuser is adjustable to provide an infinite number of stream diffusion patterns; adjustment of either can be made during operation. A magnetic coupling between the reversible turbine and planetary reduction gearing allows sensitive reduction gearing to be sealed from the water flow.

Description

United States Patent [191 Hayes 1 1 Nov. 25, 1975 LAWN SPRINKLER Primary ExaminerLloyd L. King 75 In entor. err R. Ha es Peon lll. l l v J y y d Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Cushman. Darby & [73] Assignee: L. R. Nelson Corporation, Peoria, C h

Ill,

[22] Filed: July 8, 1974 [57] ABSTRACT [211 App! NO: 486,587 A rotary-type lawn sprinkler that reversibly rotatable through any angle. The angle 1s set by means on the exterior of the sprinkler while the reversing is flu- [52] 239/242; 239/1316 1; 239/587; idic and takes place completely within the sprinkler. A 239/590-5 slip clutch allows manual rotation of the sprinkler [51] Int. Cl. B05B 3/16 head Th nozzle is angularly adjustable in a vertical [58] Fleld of Search 239/242, 5905' 1 plane through 80, and the nozzle diffuser is adjustable to provide an infinite number of stream diffusion pat- References Clted terns; adjustment of either can be made during opera- UNITED STATES PATENTS tion. A magnetic coupling between the reversible tur- 2,757,956 8/1956 Salminen 239/010. 1 him and Planetary reduction gearing allows Sensitive 3,575,347 4/1971 Carlson 1 239/DlG. 1 uction gearing to be sealed from the water flow, 3,6l2,408 lO/l97l Holleman 239/587 3,677,474 7/1972 Lorenzen 239/587 50 13 Draw'ng F'gures Sheet 1 of5 3,921,912

U.S. Patent Nov. 25, 1975 US. Patent Nov. 25, 1975 Sheet 2 of5 3,921,912

U.S. Patent Nov. 25, 1975 Sheet30f5 3,921,912

U.S. Patent Nov.25, 1975 SheetSofS 3,921,912

LAWN SPRINKLER BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION There are many prior art lawn sprinklers related to the sprinkler of the present invention including those disclosed in US. Pat. Nos. 3,104,818, 3,405,871, 3,081,039, 3,070,314, 3,432,102, and 3,578,248. All such prior art sprinklers have at least some of the following problems, however: A reversing mechanism with mechanical overcenter mechanisms that tend to dead center after extended use. No means for externally adjusting the reversing mechanism during operation. No means for infinitely varying the stream diffusion patterns, even during operation. No means for varying the vertical orientation of the nozzle, even during operation. A plurality of sealed means between the pressurized cavity and the water distributing assembly. No means for preventing damage to the sprinkler when a severe overload is applied to the output shaft, and correspondingly no means to allow manual rotation of the head to a position between reversing mechanism stops should the head not originally be in such a position. And no means for providing complete sealing of reduction gears from the water flow while not interfering with turbine rotation. In general there is no simple and reliable sprinkler that is adaptable to almost any terrain, wind, and area conditions to provide effective watering of a desired ground area.

According to the teachings of the present invention, a sprinkler is provided that has none of the above-mentioned drawbacks and that is simple and reliable yet adaptable to almost any terrain, wind, and area conditions to provide effective watering of a desired ground area. A rotary water distributing assembly has a nozzle that is pivotal 80 degrees in a vertical plane even during operation and an eccentric discharge orifice cooperating with a nozzle diffuser that is adjustable to provide an infinite variety of stream diffusions also even during operation. Adjustable stop collars mounted on the outside of the sprinkler housing initiate reversing of the turbine drive and thereby the direction of rotation of the head. The reversing means is fluidic with no chance of dead-centering and thus requiring an exterior manual force to get it out of a dead-center position.

The water supply shaft of the water distributing assembly according to the teachings of the present invention for providing water to the nozzle is splined onto the output carrier of the reduction gears and also serves as the nexus for drive and reversing. The uppermost portion of the planetary reduction gearing housing is connected via an O-ring to the rest of the housing, such a connection providing a slip clutch arrangement whereby should a severe overload of the output shaft result the gearing will not be affected.

The reduction gearing housing is completely sealed from the water flow while not interfering with the turbine rotation by provision of a magnetic coupling between the turbine and reduction gearings operable through an integral housing. The whole reduction gear housing is mounted for rotation relative to the sprinkler housing. Rotation is normally prevented by the frictional engagement of frictional shoes with the housing, however upon contact of the stop lever of the rotary head with the adjustable stop tabs, rotational movement of the housing mount is allowed. Since fluidic switching means are connected to the mount, reversal 2 of the fluid inlet flow and subsequently the direction of turbine rotation is effected. v

The whole assembly is contained on a wheeled frame and is connectable to any source of water under pressure. 1

The sprinkler according to the present invention thus can be seen to provide for watering almost any area de spite any wind or terrain conditions by providing adjustment of all of the angle of rotation, the throw, and the diffuseness of the stream. All adjustments can be made even during operation. The part circle adjustments are made external to the pressurized cavity of the unit while the actual reversing takes place internally. A single output shaft is the only sealed element required for normal rotation of the water distributing assembly, supplying water to the water distributing assembly, and for the action of reversing. This provision of fewer elements especially fewer sealed elements results in the advantage of increased reliability.

In addition, the arrangement of the parts on the housing and the provision of the internal drive provides a clear indication that the water distributing assembly is adjustable to rotatably oscillate between positions less than 360 apart and between what positions less than 360 apart it will oscillate.

Additionally, the reversing of the stream involves no moving parts within or near the fluid jet that is being reversed, and further that the switching action of the motor mount and associated parts acts as a single .element that moves only a slight amount under the persuasion of a great amount of force. This also results in the advantage of increased reliability.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION It is a primary object of this invention to provide an improved sprinkler that is simple and reliable yet adaptable to effectively water almost any area despite any wind or terrainconditions.

It is a further object of this invention to provide a sprinkler nozzLe that is adjustable in a vertical plane, even during operation.

It is a further object of this invention to provide a nozzle diffuser for an eccentric discharge orifice that may be adjusted even during operation to provide an infinite variety of stream diffusion patterns.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a slip clutch assembly between the sprinkler head and motor assembly to prevent damage to the sprinkler from excessive forces applied to the motor output shaft.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a magnetic coupling between the sprinkler turbine and gear reduction assembly for allowing complete sealing of the gear reduction assembly from the water flow without impairment of the turbine movement.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a fluidic reversing means including only a single effective moving element that moves only a slight amount.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide only one sealed member between the pressurized sprinkler housing and the water distributing assembly.

It is a still further object'of the present invention to provide adjustable stop means for a sprinkler reversing assembly on the outside of the sprinkler housing.

These and other objects of the invention will become clear from an inspection of the ensuing detailed description of the invention and the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a rotary sprinkler according to the teachings of the present invention;

FIG. 2a is a cross-sectional view of the upper portion of the sprinkler according to the teachings of the present invention;

FIG. 2b is a partial cross-sectional view of a detent mechanism for the upper sprinkler portion taken along lines 2b2b of FIG. 2a;

FIG. 3 is a front view of the nozzle diffuser face according to the teachings of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is an exploded view with portions cut away of the trunnion, gudgeon, and output shaft assembly according to the teachings of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the lower portion of the sprinkler according to the teachings of the present invention taken generally along lines 5 5 of FIG.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along lines 6 6 of FIG. 5 of the sprinkler according to the teachings of the present invention;

FIGS. 70 7c are diagrammatic views showing the operation of fluid flow reversing control means according to the teachings of the present invention;

FIGS. 80 8c are diagrammatic views showing the operation of the fluid flow reversing mechanism, with the cover plate removed, according to the teachings of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION A rotary sprinkler according to the teachings of the present invention is shown generally at 10 in FIG. 1. The sprinkler consists generally of a base portion 12, having a water inlet 14 therein and axle l7 mounting wheels 18 secured thereto. A pressurized sprinkler housing 13 is secured to base 12 and has a water distributing assembly, shown generally at 20, rotatably mounted thereon.

The water distributing assembly 20, shown in FIGS. 1 4, is composed generally of a nozzle 22, trunnion 30, gudgeon 40, and stop reversing control 50. The nozzle 22 has an eccentric orifice 24 in the delivery end thereof. Mounted on the end of the nozzle 22 is the nozzle diffuser 26 having an aperture 27 in the face thereof and prongs 28 formed from diffuser 26 extending into aperture 27. Diffuser 26 is rotatable with respect to nozzle 22, frictional engagement being maintained therebetween by O ring 29. In addition to insuring that diffuser 26 will remain in the position to which it is rotated relative to nozzle 22, O-ring 29 also seals the back flow of water caused by the water impinging against the prongs 28 of the diffuser 26. The aperture 27 and prongs 28 of diffuser 26 cooperating with the eccentric orifice 24 in nozzle 22 provides an infinite number of stream diffusion patterns as the diffuser 26 is rotated through 360. Due to the inherent stability of this construction, the diffuser can be rotated even when the sprinkler is operating.

Trunnion 30 has nozzle 22 screw-threaded onto the end thereof. Inserted within the open end of trunnion 30 is a vane 32 for removing the turbulence from the water stream flowing through passage in trunnion 30 and thereby increasing the distance of throw for a given orientation of the trunnion and nozzle. The other end of the trunnion 30 is formed by generally spherical member 34. The spherical end 34 is mounted in gudgeon so that it is rotatable in a vertical plane approximately 80 from the solid line position of FIG. 2 to the dotted line position..The member 34 is prevented, in the preferred embodiment, from rotation relative to gudgeon 40 in any other plane by the engagement of trunnion pins 36 of member 34 with openings 41 in gudgeon 40 (see FIG. 4). It is apparent, however, that a universal joint connection between member 34 and gudgeon 40 could be provided if desired. The O-ring 39 seals the trunnion 30 at all times and ensures that water flowing through the gudgeon 40 flows through passage 35 in trunnion 30. In addition, O-ring 39 serves as a friction means to hold the trunnion 30 in any selected vertical orientation. The vertical position selection can be made during operation. It will be seen that the combination of the adjustment of the throw provided by 30, 40, 39, and the adjustment of the diffuseness of the spray provided by 24, 26, 27, along with the part circle adjustment to be described later, allows adjustment of the sprinkler according to the teachings of the present invention to effectively water almost any area despite existing wind and terrain conditions.

O-ring 39 is held in engagement with gudgeon 40 and the surface of spherical end member 34 of trunnion 30 by the enlarged end of tubular output shaft 44. The output shaft 44 is rigidly connected to gudgeon 40 via bolts (not shown) passed through apertures 47 in extensions 45 of output shaft 44 into threaded openings 42 in gudgeon 40 (see FIG. 4). Since the output shaft 44 is rigidly connected to the gudgeon 40, rotation of the shaft 44 will rotate gudgeon 40, trunnion 30, and nozzle 22 the whole water distributing assembly 20. The tubular output shaft 44 has openings 46 near the bottom thereof to allow water to flow from the interior of housing 13 to the trunnion 30. The end of output shaft 44 opposite trunnion 30 has a spline connection 48 to output carrier to be driven thereby.

Also connected to gudgeon 40 is the stop lever for the part circle and reversing adjustment, shown generally at 50 in the drawings. The stop assembly 50 includes a stop lever 51 pivotally attached to the gudgeon 40 via roll pin 52. The roll pin 52 facilitates movement of the stop lever 51 between operative positions, nonoperative positions, and in cooperation with portion 53 on the gudgeon prevents excessive movement in the opening 59 in which it is rotatable in gudgeon 40. When the part circle feature of the sprinkler according to the teachings of the present invention is to be utilized, the stop lever is in the position shown in FIG. 2 wherein detent ball 56 located in gudgeon 40 is biased by spring 57 into contact with recess 54 in stop lever 51 to releasably hold the lever in this position. The bottom end of lever 51 in FIG. 2 then extends into a position wherein it is capable of engagement with the stop tabs on the stop collars, as will be further explained below. When it is not desired to use the part circle feature, the lever is pulled upwardly from the position in FIG. 2 until detent ball 56 engages recess 55, in this position, the bottom end of lever 51 is no longer engageable with the stop tabs and the water distributing assembly 20 will continuously rotate in the same direction.

Stop

collars

60, 61 having

stop tabs

62, 63, assembled respectively thereon are rotatable about upper extension 13' of housing 13. The

stop tabs

62, 63 are obviously rotatable relative to the housing 13 and to each other to any selected positions for potential engagement with movable stop lever 51. Each

stop collar

60, 61 has recesses 68 formed on the interior surface thereof for cooperation with

stop tabs

62 and 63 respectively. Stop tab 62 and biasing spring 66 therefor are mounted in an opening on the under surface of collar 60. The stop tab 62 engages the upper extension 13' of housingv 13 to hold the collar 60 in the selected position relative to stop collar 61. Similarly, stop tab 63 and biasing spring 67 therefor are mounted in an opening on the under surface of stop collar 61. The stop tab 63 engages the upper extension 13 of housing 13 to hold the collar 61 in the selected position relative to housing 13. It is obvious that instead of incremental adjustment, infinite adjustments could be provided by merely providing a friction engagement between

stop tabs

62, 63 and the upper extension 13 of housing 13 instead of the splined coupling 58. Incremental adjustment is preferred, however, since lighter springs facilitate ease of adjustment.

The stop tabs can be moved to any desired relative angular orientations with respect to each other and the housing 13. With the stop lever 51 in operative position, as shown in FIG. 2, as gudgeon 40 rotates it will rotate lever 5 l therewith until it eventually engages one of the stop tabs, 62, 63. When the lever 51 engages a stop tab, the

springs

66 and 67 of the tabs prevent movement of the tabs, and thus reversal of the direction of rotation of the lever 51 and whole water distributing assembly is initiated, as will be more fully described later. The lever 51 will thus be rotatable between the stop tabs 62,"63, and will reverse its direction of rotation when it abuts one of the tabs. If the lever 51 is in the nonoperative position, however (wherein ball 56 engages recess 55), the lever can no longer abut either tab during its rotation, and thus unrestricted rotation in the same direction is allowed.

Output shaft 44 is driven by output carrier 75. The output carrier 75 has a splined end 76 thereof that is in engagement with the splined end 48 of shaft 44 so that rotation of carrier 75 will rotate shaft 44, but longitudinal movement therebetween will be allowed. The output shaft 44 is received within the opening of upper extension 13 of housing 13. An o-ring 69 engages the shaft 44 and housing extension 13 and prevents water flow from interior 16 (see FIG. 5) of housing 13 to the water distributing assembly 20 except through openings 46 in tubular shaft 44. A retaining ring 71 retains two thrust washers 70 and a thrust seal 72 in'engagement with O-ring 69 and output shaft 44 to assist the sealing of O-ring 69, and additionally effectively couples the water distributing assembly 20 to the rest of the sprinkler by preventing removal of shaft 44 through the opening in housing extension 13 of housing 13. Output carrier 75 is powered by turbine assembly 130 and gear reduction assembly 135 as will be explained further below. The splined end 76 of output carrier 75 extends through an opening in ring cap 78. Ring cap 78 is placed on top of ring housing 79, and the connection therebetween is maintained watertight by o-ring 80. O- ring 80 also serves as a friction clutch that locks the ring cap 78 to the ring housing 79 during normal operational loading, but allows the cap 78 to turn relative to housing 79 upon a severe overload. Any overload to output shaft 44 and output carrier 75 is transmitted through the planetary reduction gearing assembly 135 to the ring-cap 78 to thereby allow the slippage between it and ring housing 79. This slippage prevents damage to the planetary reduction gearing assembly 135 during an overload, and also allows manual rotation of the water distributing assembly 20 for positioning the lever 51 between

stop tabs

62, 63, while not interfering with normal operation of the sprinkler.

Fixedly attached to ring housing 79 via screws 86 through openings in extensions 81 of housing 79 is motor mount 82. The housing 79 and motor mount 82 could be formed of one-piece but the two-piece construction is preferred to allow interchangeability of parts with other sprinklers. The motor mount 82 provides support for the reduction gearing contained within ring housing 79 and ring cap 78 as well as also providing the means whereby the direction of rotation of the water distributing assembly 20 is effected upon engagement of the stop lever 51 with one of the

stop tabs

62, 63.

The motor mount 82 has an aperture therein for receiving the ring housing 79, arms 83 for containing frictional shoe members 87, and extension 84 having port

cover receiving portions

92, 93 for effecting fluidic switching. The arms 83 have apertures in the peripheries thereof for receiving frictional shoes 87 and biasing springs 88 therefor. The frictional shoes 87 each engage a thrust plate 90 inserted respectively within recesses formed in the interior of the lower portion of housing 13 (see FIGS. 5 and 6). The frictional engagement of the shoes 87 with the plates 90 allows limited rotational movement of the whole gear reduction assembly 135 contained within housing 79 relative to base 12 and housing 13 if the forces acting on water distributing assembly 20 preventing rotational movement thereof are greater than the frictional force between shoes 87 and plates 90. As mentioned earlier, the spring force of the stop collar springs 66, 67, are selected so that should lever 51 extending from gudgeon 40 engage a

stop tab

62 or 63, the stop tab will not be moved but instead the whole motor mount 82 will be rotated as the motor torque is transferred through the planetary gear housing 79 to the motor mount 82 and the friction members 87 which bears against the thrust plate 90. Thus for proper operation, the torque applied to the stop collars and 61 by the water distributing assembly 20 is resisted by the stop collars via the spring loaded action of

members

62, 63 with the upper extension 13' of housing 13. This torque of resistance must be greater than the frictional torque supplied to the motor mount assembly 82 which is fixedly attached to planetary gear housing 79. This frictional torque is the result of the brake shoe action of members 87 and and spring 88. Additionally .the torque required to break the connection between members 78 and 79 (said connection being supplied through the frictionally use of member 80) must of necessity be greater than the brake shoe friction torque supplied via

elements

87, 88 and 90.

The extent of the rotational movement of the ring housing 79 and motor mount assembly 82 is preferably limited to 6, enough to allow movement of extension 84 to uncover one port and cover another thereby initiating rotation of turbine assembly in the opposite direction, and subsequent rotation of water distributing assembly 20 in the opposite direction. Stops 15 are pro- 7 prevent misalignment of the reversing assembly while the

friction clutch

78, 79, 80 operates.

It will be seen that in the sprinkler according to the teachings of the present invention, only one sealed member output shaft 44 extends from the pressurized sprinkler housing 13. This one element 44 performs the three functions of supplying water to the water distributing assembly 20, rotating that assembly, and providing for reversing of the direction of rotation of that assembly. At the same time, adjustment of the part-circle feature external of the pressurized sprinkler housing 13 as provided by 50, 62, 63 is allowed.

The fluidic switching assembly that effects rotation of the turbine assembly 130 in one or the other of the opposite directions of rotation is shown generally in FIGS. and 6, and in schematic detail in FIG. 7 and 8. The extension 84 of motor mount 82 contains port

cover receiving portions

92, 93, each having an opening therein for receiving a port cover and a spring for biasing the port cover. Only one of the port covers, 94, with associated biasing springs, 96, is shown in the drawings, but it is to be understood that portion 93 has a similar port cover assembly therein. The port cover 94 removably covers port 99 in cover plate 100, while the port cover in portion 93 removable covers port 98 in cover plate 100.

Cover plate 100 covers the fluidic switching formations, indicated generally at 109 in the drawings formed in base 12, and separates such formations from the water-filled interior 16 of sprinkler housing 13. The fluidic switching formation 109 commonly referred to as a fluid amplifier contains a nozzle portion 1 10 in communication with the sprinkler inlet 14,

walls

115 and 116 having

ducts

119 and 120 therein communicating between

ports

99 and 98 respetively and signal

ports

123, 124, splitter 1 14 having cusp 122 formed at the tip thereof and output channels 1 1 1 and l 12 leading to the turbine assembly 130 for supplying water for rotating the turbine in one of the opposite radial directions.

Operation of the fluidic switching arrangement will now be described with particular reference to FIGS. 7a-c and 8a-c. When the motor mount 82 and extension 84 thereof are in the position shown in FIGS. 7a and 8a, port 99 is covered, but port 98 is uncovered, thereby allowing communication between water-filled interior 16 of housing 13 and duct 120 in wall 116. Water entering nozzle 110 begins to entrain ambient water into a mixing region between

walls

115 and 116. Near wall 1 15 where the port 99 is closed the entrained fluid is not easily replaced, while on the opposite wall 116 where port 98 is open the water is easily replaced by the water flowing from the housing interior 16 through port 98 through duct 120 and signal port 124. The result is the rapid development of a transverse pressure gradient across the water jet, and the formation of a bubble or vortex which forms a region of lowest pressure. The pressure gradient across the jet bends the jet toward, and eventually against, the wall 115 at some distance downstream from the nozzle 110. Since the wall is offset from the nozzle so that a small step occurs, the low pressure vortex is stronger and causes an even more pronounced bending of the jet toward and against the wall 115. The cusp 122 at the tip of splitter 1 l4 establishes a stabilizing vortex on the opposite side of the stream to the wall 1 15 which aids in stabilizing the jet against the wall 115. The stream is thus directed through output channel 11 1 thereby running the turbine blades 131 in the clockwise direction.

When lever 51 on gudgeon 40 engages a

stop tab

62, 63, rotation of the gudgeon assembly is prevented, and the motor torque is transferred to the area of least resistance the frictionally retained motor mount 82. Thus rotation of motor mount 82 is initiated. As extension 84 of motor mount 82 is rotated in the counter-clockwise direction from its end position in FIG. 7a to its other end position in FIG. 70, it passes through the stage shown in FIGS. 7b and 8b (after rotation of extension 84 through about 3) wherein both

ports

98, 99 are covered by their respective port covers on extension 84. At this point the fluid stream remains attached to wall even though the disturbing signal through signal port that originally put it there is removed, and thus the turbine will continue to rotate in the clockwise direction. As the motor mount 82 continues to rotate it will come to its end position shown in FIGS. 70 and 8c after approximately 6 of rotation (which takes approximately two seconds). In this position port 98 is covered and port 99 is uncovered. Water from interior 16 of housing 13 will now flow through port 99, duct 119, and signal port 123 to fill the bubble, thereby destroying the pressure gradient and allowing the jet to form an opposite gradient that will cause the stream to flow against wall 116 and through output channel 112 to cause the turbine blades 131 to rotate in the opposite or counter-clockwise direction. It will be noted that both signal ports cannot be open at the same time during switching, thus preventing the possibility of water being directed in equal amounts through channels 111 and 1 12 with subsequent stopping of the rotation of the turbine.

The turbine assembly and the reduction gearing assembly are substantially the same as those described in commonly-assigned co-pending application Ser. No. 467,555 and reference is directed thereto for a detailed description of these elements. A brief description of them follows.

The turbine assembly 130 includes blades 131 shaped to be responsive to radially directed flow of water through either channel 111, or channel 112 of fluid amplifier 109, said blades mounted on ring 132. The other end of ring 132 is a bearing sleeve, 132', which turns relative to collar 133, which is fixedly attached to extension 79 of ring housing 79. Mounted on the interior of ring 132 opposite blades 131 is an outer permanent magnet 134. The magnet 134 is coupled through housing 79 to another, inner permanent magnet 136. By provision of this magnetic coupling, rotation of the turbine is transferred to the gear reduction assembly 135 while the gear reductionassembly can be completely sealed from the water flow through the turbine 130 without affecting the rotation of this highspeed, low-torque member.

The inner magnet 136 is connected to sun carrier 138 having a sun gear 139 formed on the upper end thereof (FIG. 5). Sun gear 139 is the drive gear for the whole planetary reduction gearing. Sun carrier 138 is mounted for rotation about interior shaft 160, which also rotatably mounts all the planetary carriers. Each planetary carrier 141 has planetary gears rotatably mounted on extensions thereof (FIGS. 5 and 6), and secondary sun gears 143 formed thereon. The planetary gears 140 cooperate with the gearing 142 formed on the interior of ring housing 79. The last planetary carrier 145 has a splined end 76 formed thereon instead of another secondary sun gear, the combination of the two is output carrier 75 from which the power is drawn for driving the output shaft 44 and the water distributing assembly 20. The planetary reduction gearing is sealed from the water in chamber 16 at output carrier 75 by an O-ring 150 between output carrier 75 and the interior of ring cap 78. An O-ring provides a suitable seal here since the moving member sealed the output carrier 75 is a low-speed high-torque member, and since it is not directly in the water flow path.

It is noted that the use of planetary reduction gearing provides a much more compact arrangement for a given reduction, and the use of the magnetic coupling at the high-speed low-torque member allows the use of planetary gearing without fouling due to exposure to the water flow and the contaminants carried thereby, without impairing the speed of the turbine. The preferable reduction that is achieved by the planetary reduction is 35221. Such a large reduction would necessitate the utilization of very bulky mechanism if types of reduction gearing other than planetary were used. The planetary reduction gearing is also an integral part of the slip clutch and the direction of rotation reversing means.

OPERATION The details of the components of the sprinkler according to the teachings of the present invention having been described, the operation of the sprinkler as a whole will now be set forth. The sprinkler inlet 14 is connected to a hose supplying water under pressure. The diffuseness of the water stream from the sprinkler is adjusted by rotating the nozzle diffuser 26 relative to the nozzle 24, and the throw of the stream is adjusted by pivoting of the trunnion 30 in a vertical plane relative to gudgeon 40. If it is desired for the nozzle to rotate in a full circle, lever 51 is pulled by thereby engaging detent ball 56 in recess 55 and preventing engagement of lever 51 with either of the

stop tabs

62, 63.

If it is desired that the nozzle only rotate through an arc of a circle, however, stop

tabs

62, 63 are rotated until they are spaced the required angular distance, the water distributing assembly 20 is manually rotated (which rotation is allowed by slip clutch 78, 80, 79) until the lever 51 is between the

tabs

62, 63 and lever 51 is then depressed placing lever 51 into potential engagement with the tabs. As water is supplied from the inlet 14 it flows through fluid amplifier 109 and into engagement with turbine blades 131. The radial force of the water rotates the turbine, which being magentically coupled to the gear reduction assembly 135 via magnets 134, 136 rotates the sun gear 139 for the planetary reduction gears. The output carrier 75 is driven by the reduction gears, which in turn drives the output shaft 44 and subsequently the rest of the water distributing assembly 20.

After imparting rotation to the turbine blades 131, the water flows around and past ring housing 79 and ring cap 78 through holes 46 in output shaft 44 into the interior of the tubular shaft 44. The water then flows through passage in trunnion 30, and finally through nozzle 22 and nozzle diffuser 26 to be delivered to the area to be sprinkled. Rotation of the nozzle 22 and associated assemblies continues until lever 51 engages

stop tab

62 or 63. When this happens, the nozzle no longer rotates but the motor torque is transferred through the ring housing 79 to motor mount 82. Since the resisting torque of

stop collars

60 and 61 resulting from the action of

springs

66, 67 is greater than the frictional torque provided by

frictional shoes

87 and 10 thrust plates 90, the motor mount is the area of least resistance.

When the motor mount 82 is acted upon by the motor torque, it rotates approximately 6 so that extension 84 covers the port of the fluid amplifier that was previously uncovered, and uncovers the port that was previously covered. This results in switching of the water flow from one of the output channels 111, 112 to the other channel, and subsequent rotation of the turbine in the opposite direction (as has been more fully described above). This results-in rotation of the nozzle in the direction opposite to its previous direction of rotation, which rotation will continue until the lever 51 engages the other stop tab.

It will also be seen that since the nozzle 22 is the only projection extending from the top of the member 40 [there being no need for other members since the drive is located completely within the housing 12, 13] and since the

stop tabs

62, 63 clearly extend from the housing 13 that that the assembly 20 is rotatably oscillatable between the positions of the

tabs

62,63, the nozzle 22 always being disposed therebetween. Also the nozzle 22 is mounted directly above the stop lever 51. Thus a clear indication is provided that the assembly 20 is rotatable between positions less than 360 apart [part-circle], and exactly what those positions are for a given setting when operated. This is especially important when the sprinkler is to be used by an unskilled individual, and is not shown in the prior art (see US. Pat. Nos. 3,070,314 and 3,405,87l in this regard). lndicia on housing 13 (see FIG. 1) may also be provided to assist in providing such a clear indication.

It will thus be seen that an improved sprinkler accomplishing all the objects set forth above has been clearly and fully described. Although the invention has been herein disclosed in what is conceived to be the most practical dnd preferred embodiments, it is recognized that departures may be made therefrom within the scope of the invention, which is not to be limited to details disclosed, but is to be accorded the full scope of the claims so as to embrace any and all equivalent structures and devices.

What I claim is:

1. A lawn sprinkler having a nozzle assembly comprising a. a supply of water under pressure,

b. a tubular nozzle having one end adapted to be connected to said supply of water under pressure and a delivery end for delivering water from said supply to an area to be sprinkled,

c. a nozzle face terminating the delivery end of said nozzle, said nozzle face having an eccentric orifice therein, and

d. a nozzle diffuser having a tubular body portion surrounding said nozzle face and mounted on said nozzle for pivotal movement with respect thereto, and a face portion having at least one pointed member forming a border of an orifice therein, said orifice in said nozzle face and said orifice in said nozzle diffuser face portion cooperating to change the diffuseness of the water stream issuing from said noule depending upon the relative orientation of said nozzle and said nozzle diffuser.

2. A lawn sprinkler as recited in claim 1 wherein said orifice in said nozzle diffuser face portion is eccentric relative to said orifice in said nozzle face.

3. A lawn sprinkler as recited in claim 2 wherein said nozzle diffuser face portion has a plurality of pointed 1 1 members forming borders of said nozzle diffuser orifice therein.

4. A lawn sprinkler as recited in claim 1 wherein a means is provided for both providing frictional maintenance of said nozzle diffuser with respect to said nozzle in the position to which it is pivoted and for sealing the area of engagement between said nozzle diffuser and said nozzle for preventing water flow in any path except through said nozzle face and said nozzle diffuser face portion orifices.

5. A lawn sprinkler as recited in claim 4 wherein said sealing and frictional maintenance means comprises an O-ring between said nozzle and said nozzle diffuser tubular body portion.

6. A lawn sprinkler as recited in claim 1 wherein said nozzle diffuser is rotatable through 360 with respect to said nozzle.

7. A lawn sprinkler as recited in claim 1 wherein said nozzle diffuser is pivotal with respect to said nozzle to adjust the diffuseness of the water stream therethrough even during operation of said sprinkler.

. 8. A lawn sprinkler having a water distributing assembly rotatable about an axis comprising a. a source of water under pressure,

b. a nozzle having a nozzle face having a delivery orifice therein for delivery of water from said source to an area to be sprinkled.

c. means for adjusting the throw of water issuing from said delivery orifice for a given water pressure, said means including (i) a first rotatable member, (ii) a second rotatable member. said second member rotatable with said first member about said axis and pivotally movable in a plane containing said axis of rotation with respect to said first member, said second member operatively connected to said nozzle, and (iii) frictional means for maintaining the relative inclination of said second member with respect to said first member throughout the rotation of said members about said axis.

9. A lawn sprinkler as recited in claim 8 wherein said second member is pivotal throughout an arc of 80 with respect to said first member.

10. A lawn sprinkler as recited in claim 8 wherein said water distributing assembly further comprises water conducting passages through said first and second members for conducting water from said source to said nozzle and a tubular output shaft for conducting water from said source to said first member and rigidly connected to said first member for rotating said first member and said water distributing assembly as a whole therewith.

11. A lawn sprinkler as recited in claim 10 wherein said tubular output shaft and said first and second members have a common interface.

12. A lawn sprinkler as recited in claim 11 wherein means are provided at said common interface for both sealing said interface so that water being delivered can only pass from said output shaft through said passages, and for providing said frictional maintenance of the relative inclination of said second member with respect to said first member.

13. A lawn sprinkler as recited in claim 12 wherein said sealing and relative inclination maintenance means comprises an O-ring at said interface.

14. A lawn sprinkler as recited in claim 10 wherein said second member includes in the passage therein adjacent to said nozzle meansfor reducing the turbulence of water flowing through said passage to thereby in- 12 crease the throw of said delivered water for a given pressure and relative inclination between said first and second members.

15. A lawn sprinkler as recited in claim 14 wherein said turbulence reducing means includes a vane.

16. A lawn sprinkler as recited in claim 8 wherein said second member may be pivoted with respect to said first member even during operation of said sprinkler.

17. A lawn sprinkler as recited in claim 8 wherein said second member has trunnion pins thereon received within corresponding openings in said first member for allowing said relative pivotal movement of said second member with respect to said first member but for preventing any other relative movement therebetween.

18. A lawn sprinkler as recited in claim 8 wherein said orifice is located eccentrically within said nozzle face and wherein said water distributing assembly fur ther comprises an adjustable nozzle diffuser having a tubular body portion mounted on said nozzle for pivotal movement with respect thereto and a face portion having at least one pointed member forming a border of an orifice therein, said orifice in said nozzle face and said orifice in said nozzle diffuser face portion cooperating to change the diffuseness of the water stream issuing from said nozzle depending upon the relative orientation of said nozzle and said nozzle diffuser, and said nozzle diffuser and said second member being adjustable together to provide for efficient sprinkling of any area within the range of said sprinkler despite any wind or terrain conditions.

19. A rotating lawn sprinkler having an adjustable stop assembly for restricting rotation of a rotatable water distributing assembly of said sprinkler to less than 360 and for initiating reversal of the direction of rotation of said water distributing assembly, or for allowing unrestricted rotation thereof, said sprinkler comprising a. a relatively stationary sprinkler housing,

b. a means carried by said sprinkler housing for receiving a supply of water under pressure,

c. two stop collars, one mounted atop the other on and external to said sprinkler housing for adjustment with respect thereto and to each other,

d. a stop tab extending from each of said stop collars,

e. a water distributing assembly mounted on and external to said sprinkler housing and rotatable with respect to said housing and said stop collars,

f. drive means located completely within said housing for rotating said water distributing assembly with respect to said housing and said stop collars and g. a stop member carried by said water distributing assembly for rotation therewith, and

h. means mounting said stop member for movement to (i) a part-circle position with respect to said assembly wherein said stop means during its rotative movement with said water distributing assembly will abut said stop tabs and thus restricts said sprinkler to rotation of less than 360, and (ii) a full-circle position with respect to said assembly wherein said stop means during its passive movement with said assembly cannot abut said stop tabs thereby allowing unrestricted rotation of said assembly.

20. A lawn sprinkler as recited in claim 19 wherein said means mounting said stop member comprises a shaft for pivotally mounting said stop member for pivotal movement in a plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation of said water distributing assembly, and wherein said sprinkler further comprises a pair of recesses located in said stop member and a spring-biased detent member mounted in said water distributing assembly, said detent member engaging one of said recesses in each of said part-circle and full-circle positions of said stop member.

21. A lawn sprinkler as recited in claim 20 further comprising engagement means associated with said stop collars and engaging complimentary means formed on said sprinkler housing, said engagement means providing for incremental adjustment of said stop collars with respect to said housing.

22. A rotatable lawn sprinkler comprising a. a pressurized sprinkler housing,

b. a water inlet in said housing for supplying water under pressure to said sprinkler housing,

c. a water distributing assembly mounted on said housing for rotation relative thereto,

d. stop means mounted on said housing for stopping the rotation of said water distributing assembly and initiating reversal of the direction of rotation thereof,

e. means within said housing for reversing the direction of rotation of said water distributing assembly, said means including (i) a reversible turbine responsive to water flow under pressure through said inlet, (ii) planetary gear reduction means operatively connected to said turbine and to an output shaft for rotating said water distributing assembly, said planetary gear reduction means including a housing-gear, (iii) means for mounting said planetary gear reduction means housing-gear for no relative movement with respect to said sprinkler housing during normal rotation of said water distributing assembly but for limited movement with respect to said sprinkler housing upon said stop means stopping said water distributing assembly, and (iv) means responsive to the relative movement between said housing-gear and said sprinkler housing for reversing the direction of flow of water impinging upon said turbine and thereby the direction of rotation of said turbine and said water distributing assembly.

23. A lawn sprinkler as recited in claim 22 wherein said means responsive to the relative movement of said planetary gear reduction means housing-gear with respect to said sprinkler housing comprises a fluid amplifier and a member operatively associated with said mounting means for said gear reduction means housing-gear for covering or uncovering signal ports of said fluid amplifier.

24. A lawn sprinkler as recited in claim 23 wherein said fluid amplifier comprises a nozzle opening connected to said water inlet for said sprinkler, two outlet channels, one for supplying water to said turbine to rotate it in one direction, and the other for supplying water to said turbine to rotate it in the opposite direction, and two signal ports for providing communication between water withiin said pressurized sprinkler housing and said fluid amplifier when uncovered by said member operatively associated with said mounting means for said gear reduction means.

25. A lawn sprinkler as recited in claim 23 wherein said member operatively associated with said mounting means for said gear reduction means may uncover only one of said two signal ports of said fluid amplifier at any position of travel of said member.

26. A lawn sprinkler as recited in claim 23 wherein said member has a position wherein it covers both said signal ports.

27 A lawn sprinkler as recited in claim 22 wherein said mounting means for said gear reduction means housing-gear comprises a member rigidly connected to said gear reduction means housing-gear, said member having a plurality of arms, a friction shoe associated with each arm, and a relatively stationary means forcooperation with said friction shoe for providing sufficient frictional force to prevent said limited relative movement between said gear reduction means housinggear and said sprinkler housing during normal operation of said sprinkler but allowing said limited relative movement when said rotation of said water distributing assembly is stopped by said stop means.

28. A lawn sprinkler as recited in claim 22 wherein said friction shoes are spring-biased, and wherein said means cooperating with said friction shoes are plates rigidly attached to the interior of said sprinkler housing.

29. A lawn sprinkler as recited in claim 22 wherein said stop means comprises two stop collars, one mounted atop the other on and external to said sprinkler housing for rotation with respect thereto and to each other, a stop tab extending from each of said stop collars, and a movable stop lever carried by said water distributing assembly for rotation therewith but pivotally movable with respect thereto in a plane perpendicular to the axis for rotation of said water distributing assembly, said lever in one position thereof engageable with said stop tabs for stopping said, rotation of said water distributing assembly and thereby initiating reversal of the direction of rotation of said water distributing assembly. i

30. A lawn sprinkler as recited in claim 29 wherein a spring biased detent extends from said water distributing assembly, said spring biased detent engaging one of two recesses on said stop lever, said recesses corresponding to location of said stop lever in an extended axial position with respect to said water distributing assembly for engaging said stop tabs, and a retracted position with respect to said water distributing assembly so that engagement with said stop tabs is not possible.

31. A lawn sprinkler as recited in claim 30 wherein said stop collars are mounted in engagement with and for rotation with respect to said sprinkler housing, and wherein engagement means are provided on said stop collars for cooperating with said sprinkler housing, said engagement means providing sufficient force to maintain said stop tabs stationary when engaged by said stop lever thereby allowing initiation of said reversal of the direction of rotation of said water distributing assembly.

32. A lawn sprinkler comprising a. a sprinkler housing for containing water under pressure,

b. a water inlet for supplying water under pressure to said housing,

c. a water distributing assembly mounted on said housing for rotation relative thereto, said assembly distributing water from said source to an area to be sprinkled,

d. means for adjusting the diffuseness of the water stream issuing from said water distributing assemy.

e. means for adjusting the throw of the water stream issuing from said water distributing assembly,

f. means for maintaining said throw constant throughout the rotation of said water distributing assembly,

g. means for optionally limiting the rotation of said water distributing assembly to less than 360 and for adjusting the limits of said rotation, and

h. means for reversing the direction of rotation of said water distributing assembly to oscillate between said limits of rotation.

33. A lawn sprinkler as recited in claim 32 wherein said stream diffuseness adjustment, said throw adjustment, and said limits of rotation adjustment can all be made during operation of said sprinkler.

34. A lawn sprinkler having a drive assembly comprising a. an inlet for supplying a flow of water under pressure,

b. a turbine responsive to water flow through said inlet,

c. an output shaft operatively connected to a water distributing assembly of said sprinkler,

d. planetary gear reduction means operatively connected to said turbine and to said output shaft for driving said output shaft at a speed less than the speed of rotation of said turbine, said planetary gear reduction means including (i) a housing-gear portion, (ii) a cap-gear portion, and (iii) means between said portions for normally maintaining said housing-gear and said cap-gear portions together while allowing relative movement therebetween should said output shaft be subject to an overload to thereby protect said gear reduction means and said turbine from damage.

35. A lawn sprinkler as recited in claim 34 wherein said means between housing-gear portion and said capgear portion also is a means for preventing entry of water between said portions.

36. A lawn sprinkler as recited in claim 35 wherein said means between said housing-gear portion and said cap-gear portion is an O-ring providing frictional engagement therebetween.

37. A lawn sprinkler as recited in claim 34 wherein said turbine is operatively connected to said gear reduction means by permanent magnet means acting through said housing-gear portion for allowing said gear reduction means to be completely sealed while not interfering with the rotation of said turbine.

38. A lawn sprinkler assembly comprising a. a sprinkler housing for containing water under pressure,

b. an inlet for supplying water under pressure to said sprinkler housing,

c. a water distributing assembly mounted on said housing for movement relative thereto for distributing water from said inlet to an areato be sprinkled,

d. a reversible turbine rotatable in response to directed flow of water from said inlet,

e. a planetary gear reduction means,

f. an output shaft operatively connected to said gear reduction means for operatively moving said water distributing assembly,

g. a housing-gear portion of said planetary gear reduction means for completely sealing said gear reduction means from the flow of water through said turbine,

h. permanent magnet means for coupling said turbine to said gear reduction means through said gear re- 16 duction housing-gear portion for allowing said gear reduction means to be completely sealed while not interfering with the rotation of said turbine, and

i. means associated with said planetary gear reduction means for reversing the direction of movement of said turbine and said water distributing assembly upon stoppage of the movement of said water distributing assembly.

39. A lawn sprinkler assembly as recited in claim 38 wherein said means associated with said gear reduction means housing-gear portion for reversing the direction of rotation of said turbine includes means mounting said gear reduction means housing-gear portion for limited movement with respect to said sprinkler housing and fluid amplifier means responsive to the relative movement of said gear reduction means housing-gear portion with respect to said sprinkler housing for reversing the direction of flow impinging upon said turbine and thereby the direction of rotation of said turbine.

40. A rotatable lawn sprinkler comprising a. a sprinkler housing for containing water under pressure,

b. a water inlet for supplying water under pressure to said sprinkler housing,

c. a water distributing assembly mounted on said housing for rotation relative thereto and for distributing water from said housing to an area to be sprinkled,

d. means acting between the exterior of said housing and said water distributing assembly for selectively stopping the rotation of said water distributing assembly in either direction,

e. a hollow shaft extending from said housing to said water distributing assembly for supplying water under pressure from said housing to said water distributing assembly and rotating said water distributing assembly, said hollow shaft the only means extending from the interior of said housing to said water distributing assembly,

f. a single means for sealing said hollow shaft to prevent water flow out of said housing except through said hollow shaft, and

g. means within said housing responsive to a relative motion occurring within said housing after said hollow shaft is stopped for reversing the direction of rotation of said water distributing assembly.

41. A lawn sprinkler as recited in claim 40 wherein said means within said housing for reversing the direction of rotation of said water distributing assembly comprises planetary gear reduction means operatively connected to said tubular shaft including a housinggear for enclosing said planetary gear reduction means, a reversible turbine responsive to water flow under pressure through said inlet and operatively connected to said gear reduction means, means for mounting said planetary gear reduction means housing for no relative movement with respect to said sprinkler housing during normal operation of said sprinkler but for limited movement with respect to said sprinkler housing upon said stop means stopping said water distributing assembly, and means responsive to the relative movement of said planetary gear reduction means housing with respect to said sprinkler housing for reversing the direction of flow of water impinging upon said turbine and thereby the direction of rotation of said turbine.

42. A lawn sprinkler as recited in claim 41 wherein said means responsive to the relative movement of said 17 planetary gear reduction means housing-gear with respect to said sprinkler housing comprises a fluid amplitier and a member operatively associated with said mounting means for said gear reduction means housing-gear for covering or uncovering signal ports of said fluid amplifier.

43. A lawn sprinkler as recited in claim 42 wherein said fluid amplifier comprises a nozzle opening connected to said water inlet for said sprinkler, two outlet channels, one for supplying water to said turbine to rotate it in one direction, and the other for supplying water to said turbine to rotate it in the opposite direction, and two signal ports for providing communication between water within said pressurized sprinkler housing and said fluid amplifier when uncovered by said member operatively associated with said mounting means for said gear reduction means.

44. A lawn sprinkler as recited in claim 42 wherein said member operatively associated with said mounting means for said gear reduction means may uncover only one of said two signal ports of said fluid amplifier at any position of travel of said member.

45. A lawn sprinkler as recited in claim 42 wherein said member has a position wherein it covers both said signal ports.

46. A lawn sprinkler as recited in claim 42 wherein said mounting means for saidv gear reduction means housing-gear comprises a member rigidly connected to said gear reduction means housing-gear, said member having a plurality of arms, a friction shoe associated with each arm, and a relatively stationary means for cooperation with said friction shoe for providing sufficient frictional force to prevent said limited relative movement between said gear reduction means housinggear and said sprinkler housing during normal operation of said sprinkler but allowing said limited relative movement when said rotation of said water distributing assembly is stopped by said stop means.

47. A lawn sprinkler as recited in claim 46 wherein said friction shoes are spring-biased, and wherein said means cooperating with said friction shoes are plates rigidly attached to the interior of said sprinkler housing.

48. A lawn sprinkler as recited in claim 41 wherein said turbine is operatively connected to said gear re- 18 duction means by permanent magnet mans acting through said housing-gear portion for allowing said gear reduction means to be completely sealed while not interfering with the rotation of said turbine.

49. A lawn sprinkler comprising:

a. a relatively stationary sprinkler housing;

b. a water distributing assembly carried by said housing having a discharge nozzle extending upwardly and outwardly with respect to the upper portion of said housing, and rotatable in either direction about a vertical axis with respect thereto;

c. drive means located completely within said housing for conducting the water under pressure received in said housing to said water distributing assembly and for converting energy in the water conducted into oscillatory rotational movements of said water distributing assembly in opposite directions, and

d. adjustable means for determining the arcuate extent of the oscillatory rotative movementsof said nozzle disposed on the exterior of said housing in physical relation with said nozzle unobstructed by exterior drive means structure so as to clearly visually indicate to an operator the determined arcuate extent and the position of the part-circle water distribution pattern with respect to said sprinkler housing when said sprinkler is operated, said adjustable means comprising:

1. a pair of stop collars mounted on said sprinkler housing for movement into a multiplicity of different positions of adjustment with respect thereto;

2. a stop tab projecting from each of stop collars;

3. stop means carried by said water distributing assembly for rotation therewith and between said stop tabs for engaging the same to determine the arcuate extent of the rotative oscillatory movements of said nozzle between said stop tabs.

50. A lawn sprinkler as recited in claim 49 wherein said last mentioned means further comprises indicia located on said housing adjacent said stop collars for providing accurate alignment of said stop tabs at arcuate angular positions a specific pre-determined arcuate extent apart.

Claims

1. A lawn sprinkler having a nozzle assembly comprising a. a supply of water under pressure, b. a tubular nozzle having one end adapted to be connected to said supply of water under pressure and a delivery end for delivering water from said supply to an area to be sprinkled, c. a nozzle face terminating the delivery end of said nozzle, said nozzle face having an eccentric orifice therein, and d. a nozzle diffuser having a tubular body portion surrounding said nozzle face and mounted on said nozzle for pivotal movement with respect thereto, and a Face portion having at least one pointed member forming a border of an orifice therein, said orifice in said nozzle face and said orifice in said nozzle diffuser face portion cooperating to change the diffuseness of the water stream issuing from said nozzle depending upon the relative orientation of said nozzle and said nozzle diffuser.

2. a stop tab projecting from each of stop collars;

3. A lawn sprinkler as recited in claim 2 wherein said nozzle diffuser face portion has a plurality of pointed members forming borders of said nozzle diffuser orifice therein.

6. A lawn sprinkler as recited in claim 1 wherein said nozzle diffuser is rotatable through 360* with respect to said nozzle.

8. A lawn sprinkler having a water distributing assembly rotatable about an axis comprising a. a source of water under pressure, b. a nozzle having a nozzle face having a delivery orifice therein for delivery of water from said source to an area to be sprinkled. c. means for adjusting the throw of water issuing from said delivery orifice for a given water pressure, said means including (i) a first rotatable member, (ii) a second rotatable member, said second member rotatable with said first member about said axis and pivotally movable in a plane containing said axis of rotation with respect to said first member, said second member operatively connected to said nozzle, and (iii) frictional means for maintaining the relative inclination of said second member with respect to said first member throughout the rotation of said members about said axis.

9. A lawn sprinkler as recited in claim 8 wherein said second member is pivotal throughout an arc of 80* with respect to said first member.

14. A lawn sprinkler as recited in claim 10 wherein said second member includes in the passage therein adjacent to said nozzle means for reducing the turbulence of water flowing through said passage to thereby increase the throw of said delivered water for a given pressure and relative inclination between saId first and second members.

18. A lawn sprinkler as recited in claim 8 wherein said orifice is located eccentrically within said nozzle face and wherein said water distributing assembly further comprises an adjustable nozzle diffuser having a tubular body portion mounted on said nozzle for pivotal movement with respect thereto and a face portion having at least one pointed member forming a border of an orifice therein, said orifice in said nozzle face and said orifice in said nozzle diffuser face portion cooperating to change the diffuseness of the water stream issuing from said nozzle depending upon the relative orientation of said nozzle and said nozzle diffuser, and said nozzle diffuser and said second member being adjustable together to provide for efficient sprinkling of any area within the range of said sprinkler despite any wind or terrain conditions.

19. A rotating lawn sprinkler having an adjustable stop assembly for restricting rotation of a rotatable water distributing assembly of said sprinkler to less than 360* and for initiating reversal of the direction of rotation of said water distributing assembly, or for allowing unrestricted rotation thereof, said sprinkler comprising a. a relatively stationary sprinkler housing, b. a means carried by said sprinkler housing for receiving a supply of water under pressure, c. two stop collars, one mounted atop the other on and external to said sprinkler housing for adjustment with respect thereto and to each other, d. a stop tab extending from each of said stop collars, e. a water distributing assembly mounted on and external to said sprinkler housing and rotatable with respect to said housing and said stop collars, f. drive means located completely within said housing for rotating said water distributing assembly with respect to said housing and said stop collars and g. a stop member carried by said water distributing assembly for rotation therewith, and h. means mounting said stop member for movement to (i) a part-circle position with respect to said assembly wherein said stop means during its rotative movement with said water distributing assembly will abut said stop tabs and thus restricts said sprinkler to rotation of less than 360*, and (ii) a full-circle position with respect to said assembly wherein said stop means during its passive movement with said assembly cannot abut said stop tabs thereby allowing unrestricted rotation of said assembly.

22. A rotatable lawn sprinkler comprising a. a pressurized sprinkler housing, b. a water inLet in said housing for supplying water under pressure to said sprinkler housing, c. a water distributing assembly mounted on said housing for rotation relative thereto, d. stop means mounted on said housing for stopping the rotation of said water distributing assembly and initiating reversal of the direction of rotation thereof, e. means within said housing for reversing the direction of rotation of said water distributing assembly, said means including (i) a reversible turbine responsive to water flow under pressure through said inlet, (ii) planetary gear reduction means operatively connected to said turbine and to an output shaft for rotating said water distributing assembly, said planetary gear reduction means including a housing-gear, (iii) means for mounting said planetary gear reduction means housing-gear for no relative movement with respect to said sprinkler housing during normal rotation of said water distributing assembly but for limited movement with respect to said sprinkler housing upon said stop means stopping said water distributing assembly, and (iv) means responsive to the relative movement between said housing-gear and said sprinkler housing for reversing the direction of flow of water impinging upon said turbine and thereby the direction of rotation of said turbine and said water distributing assembly.

27. A lawn sprinkler as recited in claim 22 wherein said mounting means for said gear reduction means housing-gear comprises a member rigidly connected to said gear reduction means housing-gear, said member having a plurality of arms, a friction shoe associated with each arm, and a relatively stationary means for cooperation with said friction shoe for providing sufficient frictional force to prevent said limited relative movement between said gear reduction means housing-gear and said sprinkler housing during normal operation of said sprinkler but allowing said limited relative movement when said rotation of said water distributing assembly is stopped by said stop means.

29. A lawn sprinkler as recited in claim 22 wherein said stop means comprises two stop collars, one mounted atop the other on and external to said sprinkler housing for rotation with respect thereto and to each other, a stop tab extending from each of said stop collars, and a movable stop lever carried by said water distributing assembly for rotation therewith but pivotally movable with respect thereto in a plane perpendicular tO the axis for rotation of said water distributing assembly, said lever in one position thereof engageable with said stop tabs for stopping said rotation of said water distributing assembly and thereby initiating reversal of the direction of rotation of said water distributing assembly.

32. A lawn sprinkler comprising a. a sprinkler housing for containing water under pressure, b. a water inlet for supplying water under pressure to said housing, c. a water distributing assembly mounted on said housing for rotation relative thereto, said assembly distributing water from said source to an area to be sprinkled, d. means for adjusting the diffuseness of the water stream issuing from said water distributing assembly, e. means for adjusting the throw of the water stream issuing from said water distributing assembly, f. means for maintaining said throw constant throughout the rotation of said water distributing assembly, g. means for optionally limiting the rotation of said water distributing assembly to less than 360* and for adjusting the limits of said rotation, and h. means for reversing the direction of rotation of said water distributing assembly to oscillate between said limits of rotation.

34. A lawn sprinkler having a drive assembly comprising a. an inlet for supplying a flow of water under pressure, b. a turbine responsive to water flow through said inlet, c. an output shaft operatively connected to a water distributing assembly of said sprinkler, d. planetary gear reduction means operatively connected to said turbine and to said output shaft for driving said output shaft at a speed less than the speed of rotation of said turbine, said planetary gear reduction means including (i) a housing-gear portion, (ii) a cap-gear portion, and (iii) means between said portions for normally maintaining said housing-gear and said cap-gear portions together while allowing relative movement therebetween should said output shaft be subject to an overload to thereby protect said gear reduction means and said turbine from damage.

35. A lawn sprinkler as recited in claim 34 wherein said means between housing-gear portion and said cap-gear portion also is a means for preventing entry of water between said portions.

38. A lawn sprinkler assembly comPrising a. a sprinkler housing for containing water under pressure, b. an inlet for supplying water under pressure to said sprinkler housing, c. a water distributing assembly mounted on said housing for movement relative thereto for distributing water from said inlet to an area to be sprinkled, d. a reversible turbine rotatable in response to directed flow of water from said inlet, e. a planetary gear reduction means, f. an output shaft operatively connected to said gear reduction means for operatively moving said water distributing assembly, g. a housing-gear portion of said planetary gear reduction means for completely sealing said gear reduction means from the flow of water through said turbine, h. permanent magnet means for coupling said turbine to said gear reduction means through said gear reduction housing-gear portion for allowing said gear reduction means to be completely sealed while not interfering with the rotation of said turbine, and i. means associated with said planetary gear reduction means for reversing the direction of movement of said turbine and said water distributing assembly upon stoppage of the movement of said water distributing assembly.

40. A rotatable lawn sprinkler comprising a. a sprinkler housing for containing water under pressure, b. a water inlet for supplying water under pressure to said sprinkler housing, c. a water distributing assembly mounted on said housing for rotation relative thereto and for distributing water from said housing to an area to be sprinkled, d. means acting between the exterior of said housing and said water distributing assembly for selectively stopping the rotation of said water distributing assembly in either direction, e. a hollow shaft extending from said housing to said water distributing assembly for supplying water under pressure from said housing to said water distributing assembly and rotating said water distributing assembly, said hollow shaft the only means extending from the interior of said housing to said water distributing assembly, f. a single means for sealing said hollow shaft to prevent water flow out of said housing except through said hollow shaft, and g. means within said housing responsive to a relative motion occurring within said housing after said hollow shaft is stopped for reversing the direction of rotation of said water distributing assembly.

41. A lawn sprinkler as recited in claim 40 wherein said means within said housing for reversing the direction of rotation of said water distributing assembly comprises planetary gear reduction means operatively connected to said tubular shaft including a housing-gear for enclosing said planetary gear reduction means, a reversible turbine responsive to water flow under pressure through said inlet and operatively connected to said gear reduction means, means for mounting said planetary gear reduction means housing for no relative movement with respect to said sprinkler housing during normal operation of said sprinkler but for limited movement with respect to said sprinkler housing upon said stop means stopping said water distributing assembly, and means responsive to the relative movement of said planetary gear reduction means housing with respect to said sprinkler housing for reversing the direction of flow of water impinging upon said turbine and thereby the direction of rotation of said turbine.

42. A lawn sprinkler as recited in claim 41 wherein said means responsive to the relative movement of said planetary gear reduction means housing-gear with respect to said sprinkler housing comprises a fluid amplifier and a member operatively associated with said mounting means for said gear reduction means housing-gear for covering or uncovering signal ports of said fluid amplifier.

46. A lawn sprinkler as recited in claim 42 wherein said mounting means for said gear reduction means housing-gear comprises a member rigidly connected to said gear reduction means housing-gear, said member having a plurality of arms, a friction shoe associated with each arm, and a relatively stationary means for cooperation with said friction shoe for providing sufficient frictional force to prevent said limited relative movement between said gear reduction means housing-gear and said sprinkler housing during normal operation of said sprinkler but allowing said limited relative movement when said rotation of said water distributing assembly is stopped by said stop means.

48. A lawn sprinkler as recited in claim 41 wherein said turbine is operatively connected to said gear reduction means by permanent magnet mans acting through said housing-gear portion for allowing said gear reduction means to be completely sealed while not interfering with the rotation of said turbine.

49. A lawn sprinkler comprising: a. a relatively stationary sprinkler housing; b. a water distributing assembly carried by said housing having a discharge nozzle extending upwardly and outwardly with respect to the upper portion of said housing, and rotatable in either direction about a vertical axis with respect thereto; c. drive means located completely within said housing for conducting the water under pressure received in said housing to said water distributing assembly and for converting energy in the water conducted into oscillatory rotational movements of said water distributing assembly in opposite directions, and d. adjustable means for determining the arcuate extent of the oscillatory rotative movements of said nozzle disposed on the exterior of said housing in physical relation with said nozzle unobstructed by exterior drive means structure so as to clearly visually indicate to an operator the determined arcuate extent and the position of the part-circle water distribution pattern with respect to said sprinkler housing when said sprinkler is operated, said adjustable means comprising: