Rain Bird Corporation

An irrigation device having an adjustable pressure regulator is provided. The irrigation device includes a housing having an inlet and a riser movable relative to the housing between a retracted position and an extended position. A retainer is secured in the riser. A flow tube extends through the retainer and is configured to move relative to the retainer. The irrigation device includes a valve coupled to the riser with the valve closing the inlet when the riser is in the retracted position. The valve is spaced from the retainer in the riser by an axial gap. The irrigation device includes a seat positioned in the axial gap. The seat is adjustably mounted to the valve such that an axial position of the seat relative to the flow tube is adjustable to adjust a regulation pressure of the irrigation device.

A method includes receiving, by a first wireless valve switch system of a wireless sprinkler valve system via a wireless network, first encoded valve instructions that were encoded by a control system using a key. The method further includes decoding the first encoded valve instructions using the key to generate decoded valve instructions. The method further includes determining whether the decoded valve instructions correspond to the first wireless valve switch system. The method further includes generating a response to the decoded valve instructions. The method further includes encoding the response using the key to generate an encoded response. The method further includes transmitting, via the wireless network, the encoded response to the control system to cause the control system to perform a corresponding action.

Some embodiments provide hydro-power generation systems for irrigation systems. In some embodiments, a system comprises a generator comprising a turbine at least partially inserted into a fluid flow path of a conduit of the irrigation system and to be activated by a fluid flow in the conduit, wherein the generator is to output an electrical power signal; a control circuit to: determine a characteristic of the electrical power signal; determine, based on the characteristic, a load impedance selected from a plurality of load impedances; and output a control signal to select the load impedance. The system also comprises a variable load circuit to: receive the control signal; and provide the load impedance, where an impedance of the variable load circuit is based on the characteristic to provide power generation over various flow rates of fluid in the fluid flow path.

A quick coupling system where a conduit can be pushed into the coupling to secure and seal the conduit with the coupling includes a gripping ring and a seal. The seal is located outboard of the gripping ring so that the gripping ring does not damage the outer surface of the conduit engaged by the seal. The coupling system also may include a wiper outboard of the seal to clean the outer surface of the conduit as the conduit is inserted into the coupling system.

Some embodiments provide irrigation generator systems that include a main conduit comprising an inlet conduit and an outlet conduit; a flow control system positioned within the main conduit; a generator conduit comprising a generator inlet conduit and a generator outlet conduit, wherein the generator inlet conduit is fluidly coupled with the main conduit upstream of the flow control system, the generator outlet conduit is fluidly coupled with the main conduit downstream of the flow control system; and a generator comprising a rotor assembly cooperated with generator conduit to be physically activated by a flow of fluid through the generator conduit causing rotation of the rotor assembly and generates electrical power. The flow control system transitions between a closed state to the open state in response to a water pressure exceeding a pressure threshold.

Methods and systems are provided for monitoring and controlling irrigation and climate conditions in landscapes (such as, e.g., municipal parks, gardens, and sports fields) and agricultural environments (such as, e.g., open agricultural fields, greenhouses, and other sites growing crops).

A quick coupling system where a conduit can be pushed into the coupling to secure and seal the conduit with the coupling includes a gripping ring and a seal. The seal is located outboard of the gripping ring so that the gripping ring does not damage the outer surface of the conduit engaged by the seal. The coupling system also may include a wiper outboard of the seal to clean the outer surface of the conduit as the conduit is inserted into the coupling system.

A multi-mode sprinkler adjustable for part or full circle operation to irrigate a selected area is provided. The sprinkler includes a nozzle for dispensing fluid, a set of gears for rotating the nozzle, and an arc setting mechanism that cooperates with the set of gears. The arc setting mechanism comprises a fixed trip for switching to a first direction for the nozzle and an adjustable trip movable relative to the fixed trip for setting an arc of rotation for the nozzle in the part circle mode. The arc setting mechanism also includes a toggle for engaging the fixed trip and the adjustable trip to switch between a first direction and a second direction when in the part circle mode. In the full circle mode, the adjustable trip is deflected radially outward, and the fixed trip deflects radially outward as it passes the toggle, allowing continuous rotation of the nozzle. A memory arc function is also provided, in which the arc setting mechanism returns to an originally set arc of rotation after mishandling of the sprinkler.

A drip emitter is provided having a clog-resistant, debris-clearing inlet filter. The emitter includes a moveable inlet that has an outer side exposed to the fluid in the supply tube, an inner side facing an interior of the emitter, and at least one inlet opening. In an operational state of the emitter, the moveable inlet moves from a first state to a second state as a result of debris at least partially blocking the at least one inlet opening. In the second state, at least some of the debris is cleared away from the inlet opening, resuming normal flow and causing the moveable inlet to move back towards the first state.

An irrigation device with an indicator is provided that includes a sprinkler and an indicator. The sprinkler includes a cover defining an access port. The indicator is removably coupled to the sprinkler and includes a flange, a shaft, and threading. The shaft extends from the flange and the threading is disposed on the shaft and threadingly engages the access port of the cover.