Area programmable sprinkler

Abstract

A controllable sprinkler includes a sprinkler head having a water discharge nozzle adapted to move between first and second sprinkler head positions via a sprinkler head positioner (such as a water motor), and a sprinkler head position determiner to determine a current sprinkler head position between the first and second positions. A flow control valve controls flow of water from a water supply to the discharge nozzle. A flow control valve positioner establishes a current control valve position of the flow control valve between essentially fully closed and essentially fully open positions. A water flow detector determines an approximation of water emanating from the control valve, and generates a water flow signal. A controller receives a sprinkler head position from the sprinkler head position determiner, and the water flow signal from the water flow detector, and in response sends a control valve control signal to the flow control valve positioner.

We claim: 
     
         1 . A sprinkler which is controllable to provide water to an area desired to be sprinkled, comprising:
 a sprinkler head having a water discharge nozzle and adapted to move between a first sprinkler head position and a second sprinkler head position to thereby apply water to the area desired to be sprinkled;   a sprinkler head positioner adapted to move the sprinkler head between the first and second sprinkler head positions;   a sprinkler head position determiner adapted to determine a current sprinkler head position between the first and second sprinkler head positions;   a flow control valve adapted to control flow of water from a water supply to the water discharge nozzle;   a flow control valve positioner adapted to establish a current control valve position of the flow control valve between an essentially fully closed control valve position and an essentially fully open control valve position;   a water flow detector adapted to determine at least an approximation of water flowing out of the control valve and generate a water flow signal;   a controller adapted to receive a sprinkler head position signal from the sprinkler head position determiner, and the water flow signal from the water flow detector, and to send a control valve control signal to the flow control valve positioner in response thereto;   and wherein the sprinkler head positioner is a water motor.   
     
     
         2 . The sprinkler of  claim 1  and wherein the water motor is configured to be driven by a water-motor water recirculation system. 
     
     
         3 . The sprinkler of  claim 2  and wherein the water-motor water recirculation system comprises:
 a water recirculation conduit configured to conduct water emanating from the water motor away from the sprinkler head; 
 a water recirculation pump configured to raise pressure of water from the water recirculation conduit; and 
 a water injection conduit configured to allow water from the recirculation pump to be injected back into the main water supply conduit.