Edwin D Hunter

US Patent:

39384268, Feb 17, 1976

Filed:

Nov 23, 1973

Appl. No.:

5/418309

Inventors:

Edwin J. Hunter - Riverside CA

Assignee:

The Toro Company - San Marcos CA

International Classification:

F01B 900
F01B 3100
F01B 2506

US Classification:

92140

Abstract:

An automatic irrigation controller apparatus having a cam follower operated bank of pilot valves for operating selected pilot operated water valves throughout a watering or irrigation system is provided with a water powered means for receiving water under pressure from a source thereof and a member driven in a predetermined manner by the force of such water for driving a cam means to operate said cam followers via power transmission means between the water driven member and a cam shaft mounting said cam. A water piston is mounted in a cylinder with associated water valve means for selectively connecting the cylinder to a source of water under pressure and to a vent to provide a reciprocal movement for the piston, a return stroke for the piston being accomplished through the provision of a spring. A reciprocal piston movement is translated through a power transmission means including a drive ratchet wheel connected to the piston and a driven ratchet wheel connected to the cam shaft. An escapement mechanism is provided with a ring gear mounted about an engagement with a plurality of planetary gears mounted by a carrier about a sun gear driven by an input shaft of the apparatus connected to the cam shaft.

US Patent:

39658007, Jun 29, 1976

Filed:

Dec 5, 1974

Appl. No.:

5/529698

Inventors:

Edwin J. Hunter - Riverside CA

Assignee:

The Toro Company - San Marcos CA

International Classification:

F01B 2506

US Classification:

91336

Abstract:

An automatic irrigation controller apparatus having a cam follower operated bank of pilot valves for operating selected pilot operated water valves throughout a watering or irrigation system is provided with a water powered means for receiving water under pressure from a source thereof and a member driven in a predetermined manner by the force of such water for driving a cam means to operate said cam followers via power transmission means between the water driven member and a cam shaft mounting said cam. A water piston is mounted in a cylinder with associated water valve means for selectively connecting the cylinder to a source of water under pressure and to a vent to provide a reciprocal movement for the piston, a return stroke for the piston being accomplished through the provision of a spring. A reciprocal piston movement is translated through a power transmission means including a drive ratchet wheel connected to the piston and a driven ratchet wheel connected to the cam shaft. An escapement mechanism is provided with a ring gear mounted about an engagement with a plurality of planetary gears mounted by a carrier about a sun gear driven by an input shaft of the apparatus connected to the cam shaft.