Sprayer controller and method

• US 6,786,425 B2
• Filed: 12/07/2000
• Issued: 09/07/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 05/27/1997
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Matthew James Harold Rawlings
• Original Assignee: Matthew James Harold Rawlings
• Inventors: Rawlings, Matthew James Harold
• Primary Examiner(s): Mar, Michael
• Assistant Examiner(s): GORMAN, DARREN W
• Application Number:
  US09/730,757
• Publication Number:
  US 20020071916A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,370 Days
• Field of Search: 239/63, 239/67, 239/71, 239/533.1, 239/533.15, 239/159, 239/172, 239/163, 239/407, 239/170, 239/76, 239/550, 239/551, 239/562, 239/DIG.15, 251/61.4, 251/61.5, 251/63.5, 251/63.6, 222/57, 222/55, 222/52, 222/491, 222/496, 222/484, 222/485, 137/115.25, 137/115.23, 137/487.5, 137/488, 137/492, 137/557
• US Class Current: 239/67
• CPC Class Codes: B05B 1/3013 the controlling element being a lift valve B05B1/3006, B05B1/3033 take precedence; lift valves in general F16K1/00
• CPC Class Codes: B05B 12/04 for sequential operation or multiple outlets
• CPC Class Codes: F16K 15/144 the closure elements being fixed along all or a part of their periphery
• CPC Class Codes: F16K 5/0421 Fixed plug and turning sleeve
• CPC Class Codes: F16K 7/17 the diaphragm being actuated by fluid pressure
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 239/15 Sprinkler systems with controls
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 137/7761 Electrically actuated valve
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 137/7762 Fluid pressure type
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 137/7836 Flexible diaphragm or bellows reactor

Abstract

A device for delivering a controlled dose of a fluid to an outlet from a fluid supply at an operating pressure which includes an actively operable check valve and pressure exerting means to selectively exert first and second pressures on the check valve. When one of the first and second pressures is exerted on the check valve, the valve prevents the passage of fluid at operating pressure through the outlet. When the other pressure is exerted on the check valve, the valve permits the passage of spray fluid at operating pressure. Signal generating means to generate a control signal characteristic of the fluid operating pressure, and control means derive at least one of the said first and second pressures from the control signal.

Claims

1. A device for delivering a controlled dose of a fluid to an outlet from a fluid supply at an operating pressure, the device comprising:

an actively operable check valve;

pressure exerting means to selectively exert first and second pressures on the check valve such that when one of the first and second pressures is exerted on the check valve the valve prevents the passage of fluid at operating pressure through the outlet, and when the other pressure is exerted on the check valve the valve permits the passage of spray fluid at operating pressure;

signal generating means to generate a control signal characteristic of the fluid operating pressure; and

control means for deriving at least one of the said first and second pressures from the said control signal.

2. A device according to claim 1, wherein the control means is arranged to derive both the first and second pressures from the said control signal.

3. A device according to claim 2, wherein the first pressure is less than the operating pressure.

4. A device according to claim 2, wherein the second pressure is greater than the operating pressure.

5. A device according to claim 1, wherein the check valve comprises a rolling diaphragm mounted about a piston arrangement which acts on another diaphragm which creates a seal between the inlet and outlet of the valve.

6. A controller for a liquid spraying apparatus comprising at least one spray line provided with at least one outlet, the or each outlet being provided with a device according to claim 1.

7. A controller according to claim 6, wherein the or each outlet is provided with a nozzle or an applicator.