US3693357A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Irrigation control
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1969-03-21
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Granted: 1972-09-26
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Expires: 1989-03-21
Abstract
Abstract A planned system in checking that provides the mechanical means for the automatic diversion of irrigation waters to the field; that progressively reduces the human involvement through practical basic mechanisms and regulator devices; that provides for the incorporation of various mechanical actuators and automatic controls; that anticipates the coming sophistication of remote control as a part of a completely programed autointerpretative system; that provides the necessary protective considerations for its mechanisms and equipment against the abuses of livestock and related maintenance practices; that eliminates the problem of check manipulation while solving those of pressure head and seal and surge and flooding.
Inventors
- 👤 Ralph E Shettel
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-01 11:11
CPC Classifications
E; E02; E02B; E02B13/00; E02B13/02; E02B2201/00; E02B2201/50
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 16
Claim 1
Independent Claim
149 words
A check mechanism for an open irrigation channel means for the regulation of water comprising; a dam means located within the walls of said channel having a laterally adjustable seal means depending from thE perimeter thereof for selective bearing against said channel in the closed position, pivot means within said channel permitting the selective installation and removal of said dam, said pivot means comprising a pin means cooperating with a cut-away arch means, a span means interconnecting said channel walls disposed apart from said dam for the support of a control means effecting the actuation and positioning of said dam, said dam comprising upper and lower panel portions hinged together located in said channel, said lower panel being disposed as a first opening means reducing pressure and initially overcoming the seal for an opening while serving to balance a division of water and control the release of accumulated water.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
149 words
A check mechanism for an open irrigation channel means for the regulation of water comprising; a dam means located within the walls of said channel having a laterally adjustable seal means depending from thE perimeter thereof for selective bearing against said channel in the closed position, pivot means within said channel permitting the selective installation and removal of said dam, said pivot means comprising a pin means cooperating with a cut-away arch means, a span means interconnecting said channel walls disposed apart from said dam for the support of a control means effecting the actuation and positioning of said dam, said dam comprising upper and lower panel portions hinged together located in said channel, said lower panel being disposed as a first opening means reducing pressure and initially overcoming the seal for an opening while serving to balance a division of water and control the release of accumulated water.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
40 words
The check mechanism of claim 1 wherein said lower panel includes a depending pressure equalizing means cooperating with said upper panel to resist a closing by water pressure to thereby further reduce pressure and seal initially overcome for an opening.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
45 words
The check mechanism of claim 1 being further defined by a fence post means depending uprightly from said span with the free end of said post means selectively receiving and supporting a fence line over said channel for the protection of said mechanisms and equipment.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
47 words
The check mechanism of claim 1 with said control being a rod and depending rack means having one end attached to said dam, and the opposite end constituting a handle for the manual operation thereof and located at one intermediate position of selective engagement with said span.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
33 words
The check mechanism of claim 4 with said control having an intermediate curving configuration like the arc of swing exercised by said dam to thereby perpetuate a position of engagement with said span.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
113 words
The check mechanism of claim 4 with said control cooperating with a paddle wheel actuator means comprising; a mobile support arm depending from said span having an axle extremity means receiving and alining a paddle wheel and drive gear means, a float means depending from said axle to thereby buoy said paddle wheel, mobile driveshaft means interconnecting extremity gear means in mechanical advantage disposed in mesh with said drive gear and with opposite extremity span support means permitting limited longitudinal movement of said driveshaft, gear cluster means having location on said span for the selective mesh of said driveshaft while being in mesh with said control rack for the actuation of said dam.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
121 words
The actuator of claim 6 including a cycle activator means comprising; a trip means depending downwardly from said span to engage passing water and thereby power an opposite extremity leverage means initiating driveshaft displacement locking said paddle wheel drive inoperative while freeing said dam to drop closed, a timer and gear means measuring irrigation intervals having pivotal location on said span and linkage means engagement with said trip forcing the mesh of said timer gear with said control rack for the winding thereof by the closing of said dam, said timer being dogged to time a reaction through said linkage initiating driveshaft reengagement and timer disengagement while freeing said paddle wheel drive for a rotation powering the actuation of said dam.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
55 words
The check mechanism of claim 1 being adapted to existing ditch and check structure means with said dam having a baffling means extension closing the existing check structure permitting the standardization thereof, and a ditch aligned platform means supported by said check structure having a rearwardly extending extremity disposed for the support of said control.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
98 words
The check mechanism of claim 8 with said control cooperating with an air ram actuator means comprising; a cylinder placed on said platform with an accumulator, a pressure regulator and a directional valve all plumbed in related location, said accumulator being rechargeable, mounting means laterally elevating said cylinder to accommodate the action of its piston while permitting limited pivotal movement, a lever arm means pivotly interconnecting said mounting and said control in mechanical advantage, said cylinder piston being affixed thereto apart from said mounting to thereby magnify the action to said control powering the actuation of said dam.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
38 words
The activator of claim 7 with said trip being adapted to lever said directional valve for the closing of said dam, said timer reacting through said linkage to activate said directional valve for the pressurization of said cylinder.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
81 words
The check mechanism of claim 1 with said control being a ram actuator means comprising; a cylinder pivotly mounting said span disposed uprightly with piston attachment means permitting the actuation of said dam, said cylinder being valved for speed control, a directional valve, pressure regulator and accumulator in related location on said span being plumbed to said cylinder, a timer means positioned on said span to activate said directional valve through linkage means engagement therebetween for the cycling of said cylinder.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
69 words
The check mechanism of claim 3 with said fence line for the protection of said irrigation mechanisms and equipment being extended through the incorporation of a ditch valve guard means for earth ditch installations comprising; a cup recess portion into which a ditch valve means is pushed to eliminate projection, a depending coller portion in combination therewith imparting permanence in location while providing said valve separation from vegetative growth.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
55 words
The check mechanism of claim 1 with said control being a rod and depending worm rack means having one end attached to said dam and the opposite end constituting a handle for manual operation, said worm rack cooperating with a motor and worm gear means disposed on said span for the actuation of said dam.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
24 words
The check mechanism of claim 13 being further defined by a solenoid activator means disposed on said span for the cycling of said motor.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
17 words
The check mechanism of claim 11 with said air ram actuator means being a hydraulic actuator means.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1975-09-26 | 1976-03-27 | 1976-09-26 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1979-09-26 | 1980-03-27 | 1980-09-26 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1983-09-26 | 1984-03-27 | 1984-09-26 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |