Sprinkler activated generator
First Claim
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1. An irrigation device, comprising:
- a nozzle;
an electric generator positioned downstream from the nozzle;
a frame coupling the electric generator to the nozzle; and
a rotor drive mechanism coupled to the electric generator, the rotor drive mechanism positioned within the atmosphere, downstream from the nozzle, and between the nozzle and the electric generator.
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Abstract
An irrigation device, such as a sprinkler, includes an electric generator for generating electricity. The sprinkler includes a nozzle which couples to a fluid conduit, a rotary deflector positioned downstream from the nozzle and within the atmosphere, an electric generator coupled to the rotary deflector, and a frame coupling the nozzle to the electric generator. The rotary deflector rotates about an axis as a fluid stream exiting the nozzle contacts and sprays from the rotary deflector. The rotary deflector and the rotor of the electric generator are coupled to a common axial shaft such that rotations of the rotary deflector translate to rotations of the rotor.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. An irrigation device, comprising:
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a nozzle;
an electric generator positioned downstream from the nozzle;
a frame coupling the electric generator to the nozzle; and
a rotor drive mechanism coupled to the electric generator, the rotor drive mechanism positioned within the atmosphere, downstream from the nozzle, and between the nozzle and the electric generator. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
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16. An irrigation device, comprising:
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a nozzle having an inlet portion configured to be coupled to a fluid conduit, an inlet orifice positioned within the inlet portion, and an outlet orifice which is smaller than the inlet orifice;
a generator housing positioned down stream from the nozzle;
a frame coupling the generator housing to the nozzle;
an electric generator positioned within the generator housing, the electric generator including a rotatable rotor assembly and a stationary stator assembly;
a rotary deflector coupled to the electric generator, the rotary deflector being mounted for rotational movement about a rotational axis, the rotary deflector being positioned within the atmosphere, downstream from the nozzle, and between the nozzle and the electric generator, the rotary deflector including fluid stream engagement means, the fluid stream engagement means being configured so that upon contact by the fluid stream, a reactionary force component is established which acts on the rotary deflector in a direction tangential to the rotational axis of the rotary deflector to effect rotational movement of the rotary deflector about its rotational axis; and
a shaft coupling the rotary deflector to the electric generator such that rotations of the rotary deflector rotate the shaft and the rotor assembly of the electric generator. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification