초록 ▼

A water flow metering device for use as a handheld or ground-based sprinkler includes a device body having a water inlet, a water distribution head in fluid communication with the device body, and a flow pattern selector. The flow pattern selector is coupled to the water distribution head and meters

A water flow metering device for use as a handheld or ground-based sprinkler includes a device body having a water inlet, a water distribution head in fluid communication with the device body, and a flow pattern selector. The flow pattern selector is coupled to the water distribution head and meters the amount of water sprayed onto the surrounding area. The flow pattern selector includes indicia that provide flow rate information to an operator. A pressure control valve regulates the flow rate in accordance with the information provided by the flow pattern selector. The water flow metering device may also include a timing mechanism having a timer which closes the water supply after a set period of time. A pressure transducer or other flow rate measuring device may allow the timer to operate the device for a predetermined amount of water distribution in inches per hour.

대표청구항 ▼

1. A water flow metering system comprising: a device body comprising a water passage, the water passage comprising a water inlet and a water outlet;a shut-off valve disposed within the water passage, the shut-off valve operable to block water flow between the water inlet and water outlet when closed

1. A water flow metering system comprising: a device body comprising a water passage, the water passage comprising a water inlet and a water outlet;a shut-off valve disposed within the water passage, the shut-off valve operable to block water flow between the water inlet and water outlet when closed;a controller operable to open and close the shut-off valve;a measuring device disposed within the water passage operable to communicate a measurement of water flowing through the passage to the controller;a flow pattern selection element having a plurality of selectable flow patterns for selection by a user, the flow patterns corresponding to a plurality of flow outlets that are associated with a water distribution device that is to be coupled with the water passage of the system, the flow pattern selection element operable for communicating a selected flow pattern setting to the controller;a depth selection device operable to receive input from a user corresponding to a depth value of water to distribute through a water distribution device, the depth selection device operable to communicate the depth value to the controller;the controller configured to calculate a watering duration for the shut-off valve to remain open, the watering duration based at least on the measurement communicated from the measuring device, the selected flow pattern setting, and the depth value communicated from the depth selection device, and further configured to close the shut-off valve after the calculated duration. 2. The water flow metering system of claim 1, further comprising: an accumulator device operable to communicate amounts of natural rainfall to the controller. 3. The water flow metering system of claim 1, wherein the water flow metering system is configured for use with a wand-style sprinkler, and the flow pattern selection element flow patterns correspond to a plurality of flow outlets on a rotatable dial that are sized for differing spray volumes per hour. 4. The water flow metering system of claim 1, wherein the water flow metering system is configured for use with a water pistol, and the flow pattern selection element flow patterns correspond to a plurality of flow outlets on a rotatable dial having a plurality of flow outlets sized for differing spray volumes per hour. 5. A water flow metering device for use as a handheld or ground-based sprinkler, comprising: a device body including a water inlet;a water distribution head in fluid communication with the device body;a pressure control valve disposed between the water inlet and the water distribution head, the pressure control valve operative to limit the pressure of the water entering the device body to a predetermined pressure; anda flow pattern selector coupled to the water distribution head and operable to meter the amount of water sprayed onto the surrounding area, the flow pattern selector including indicia providing flowrate information to an operator in inches per hour based on the predetermined pressure. 6. The water flow metering device of claim 5, further comprising: a timing mechanism including a timer configured to positively close the pressure control valve after a set period of time. 7. The water flow metering device of claim 5, wherein the timing mechanism further includes an accumulator device coupled with the device body, the accumulator device determining natural amounts of rainfall so that the timer may close the pressure control valve more quickly when more natural rainfall has occurred. 8. The water flow metering device of claim 5, wherein the pressure control valve is adjustable such that the predetermined pressure to which water entering the device body is limited can be changed to any one of a plurality of different pressures. 9. The water flow metering device of claim 5, wherein the indicia provides flowrate information in inches per hour for a plurality of the different pressures to which the control valve can be adjusted. 10. A water flow metering system comprising: a device body comprising a water passage, the water passage comprising a water inlet and a water outlet;a shut-off valve disposed within the water passage, the shut-off valve operable to block water flow between the water inlet and water outlet when closed;a controller operable to open and close the shut-off valve;a measuring device disposed within the water passage operable to communicate a measurement of water flowing through the passage to the controller;a flow angle selection element having a plurality of selectable flow angles for selection by a user, the flow angles corresponding to an angle setting associated with a water distribution device that is to be coupled with the water passage of the system, the flow angle selection element operable for communicating a selected flow pattern setting to the controller;a depth selection device operable to receive input from a user corresponding to a depth value of water to distribute through a water distribution device, the depth selection device operable to communicate the depth value to the controller;the controller configured to calculate a watering duration for the shut-off valve to remain open, the watering duration based at least on the measurement communicated from the measuring device, the selected flow angle, and the depth value communicated from the depth selection device, and further configured to close the shut-off valve after the calculated duration. 11. The water flow metering system of claim 10, wherein the water flow metering system is configured for use with a rotating gear drive sprinkler, and the flow angle selection element includes a pair of limiting brackets that limit the rotation of the gear drive sprinkler for modifying the spray volume per hour. 12. The water flow metering system of claim 10, wherein the water flow metering system is configured for use with an impulse head sprinkler, and the flow angle selection element includes a member that is operative to limit the overall rotation of the impulse head sprinkler in one spray cycle for modifying the spray volume per hour. 13. The water flow metering system of claim 10, wherein the water flow metering system is configured for use with an elongate oscillating sprinkler, and the flow angle selection element includes a switch that limits the angle of oscillation of the oscillating sprinkler for modifying the spray volume per hour.