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Plastic, Gear-Driven Rotary Sprinklers
In 1963 a U.S. patent was issued to Edwin J. Hunter, founder of Hunter Industries, for the first rotary pop-up sprinkler with plastic internal gears. This development, now a standard in the industry, marked the beginning of a new era of irrigation during which water conservation became an important issue. The plastic componentry of this innovative sprinkler operated on less water pressure than the old-style impact sprinklers, offering a significant reduction of water consumption. In addition, the plastic gear-drive design is self-lubricating and more resistant to corrosion than brass. Quiet operation and ease of installation contributed to the industry's widespread acceptance of plastic gear-driven sprinklers. Ed Hunter's commitment to the irrigation industry and water conservation has resulted in a full range of top-quality irrigation products for residential and commercial use. He holds more than 150 patents, and his company is a major manufacturer of irrigation products sold throughout the world. Hunter Industries continues to focus its research and development efforts on low pressure, low precipitation-rate irrigation systems that save water and reduce operating costs.

Horizontal Impact Sprinklers
Orton H. Englehart revolutionized landscape irrigation in the 1930s when he invented the horizontal impact sprinkler. His innovative design had fewer moving parts than most other sprinklers of the time, making it more dependable and less expensive. The impact sprinkler gets its name from the spring-loaded, horizontal rod which causes the device to rotate slowly and incrementally as it repeatedly "impacts" with the stream of water emitted by the nozzle. The rights to Engleharts’ patented, impact sprinkler were acquired by the Rain Bird Company of Glendora, California, which has become the world's most famous manufacturer of impact sprinklers.

Brass Pop-Up Sprinklers
Pop-up sprinklers represent an important advancement in irrigation technology. When not in use, these innovative sprinklers remain either at or below ground level and out of the way of lawn care equipment. When activated, water pressure causes a riser-tube to "pop up" several inches above ground level allowing the sprinkler's nozzle to emit its spray without interference from surrounding grass and thatch. The earliest pop-up sprinklers, introduced in the 1930s, were fixed-spray sprinklers made of brass because of the metal's resistance to corrosion. Today, "pop-up" sprinklers are the industry standard for most large turf area applications.

Twin Comet Lawn Sprinkler
The Twin Comet, offered for sale in 1897, was among the first gear-driven lawn sprinklers to be mass produced. Developed by E. Stebbins Manufacturing Company, Springfield, Massachusetts, this innovative irrigation product featured three revolving sprinkler arms and a hose nozzle. When water pressure permitted, the sprinkler's hose nozzle could send a stream of water distances of up to 80 feet. A perforated disc was available as an optional accessory. The disc was designed to produce a light spray or mist when attached at the center of the revolving arms. The fully-assembled sprinkler stood 17 inches high, weighed six pounds, and cost about $5. With the exception of the legs, all parts were solid brass.

Two-Cylinder Piston Pump
The piston pump was invented by the Greek engineer Ctesibius around 170 B.C. Modified versions of the pump were later put to use by the Romans for irrigating small parcels. A two-cylinder piston pump, made possible by clapper valves which were already used in the bellows of ironworkers, was introduced in 18th century Europe. Water is drawn by suction into the pump's cylinders through one-way clapper valves. The water is then forced out of the cylinders and into a delivery pipe by the down ward stroke of the pistons which, in this particular pump, were driven by a man rocking from side to side on a beam. Early piston pumps were used for irrigation and to replenish municipal water supplies.