Abstract: Preferred embodiments of the invention comprise an automatic reel capable assisting a user when attempting to unspool a linear material, such as a water hose. The automatic reel includes a control system having a motor controller capable of sensing a pulling of, or increased tension of, the linear material and capable of causing a motor to rotate to unspool the linear material. In certain embodiments, the motor controller tracks the length of the unspooled portion of the linear material and/or reduces the spooling speed of the motor when retracting a terminal portion of the linear material.

Abstract: Preferred embodiments of the invention comprise an automatic reel capable assisting a user when attempting to unspool a linear material, such as a water hose. The automatic reel includes a control system having a motor controller capable of sensing a pulling of, or increased tension of, the linear material and capable of causing a motor to rotate to unspool the linear material. In certain embodiments, the motor controller tracks the length of the unspooled portion of the linear material and/or reduces the spooling speed of the motor when retracting a terminal portion of the linear material.

Abstract: A battery assembly comprises a battery and a housing adapted for use in an environment often exposed to water. The housing preferably has recessed portions spaced far apart at the top end thereof, with electrical terminals disposed in the recessed portions. The recessed portions are configured to securely receive corresponding downward-facing compartments disposed at the top of the battery, wherein the compartments have recessed openings housing electrical terminals. Accordingly, the electrical terminals of the housing are configured to contact the electrical terminals of the battery when the battery's compartments are disposed in the housing's recessed portions, forming a substantially watertight seal.

Abstract: A reel is provided with a housing having a triangular aperture for entry and removal of linear material wound upon the reel drum. The drum has a spool surface onto which a linear material may be wound, the spool surface having two ends. The housing substantially encloses the drum, and the drum is rotatable about a drum axis relative to at least a portion of the housing. The at least a portion of the housing has a generally triangular aperture sized to receive a linear material wound onto the drum. The aperture has a first side oriented generally parallel to the drum axis, and second and third sides meeting at a vertex generally midway between opposing ends of the spool surface of the drum.

Abstract: A fluid system has a fluid control device that can receive a gas hose and fluid hose. The fluid control device can also have a gas source and can be configured to receive the liquid hose. The fluid control device is provided to output a fluid flow into an output hose. The fluid control device can be positioned near a liquid source or a nozzle of the output hose. In another arrangement, the fluid control device can receive low pressure fluid and deliver high pressure fluid to a high pressure device. The fluid system can have a hose reel apparatus for spooling a hose connected to the fluid control device and the high pressure device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and components thereof for intelligently watering an environment. The system comprises at least one sensor for monitoring particular environmental conditions, and at least one electrically powered valve that receives wireless information signals from the sensor and controls a watering device based on the signals. Power control units repeatedly toggle the sensor and valve between powered and unpowered states to conserve energy. The power control units are configured so that the powered states of the sensor and valve overlap in time to make it possible for the valve to receive the wireless information signals from the sensor.

Abstract: A generator is provided along a conduit that carries a man-made fluid flow. The generator generates electrical power that can be, e.g., used to charge a battery, rotate a reel, or to directly control a fluid flow control valve associated with the fluid flow. In the garden hose context, neither AC power nor frequent battery replacement is required because power from the generator can recharge the battery powering the valve and the reel.

Abstract: A reel housing enclosing a reel assembly includes an access panel, wherein opening or removal of the access panel allows access to the interior of the housing. The exterior surface of the access panel is decorated with facial indicia so that the access panel resembles the face of an animal or character. The exterior surface of the housing has a color design to visually enhance the depiction of the animal or character.

Abstract: A linear material reel design promotes the uniform spooling of a linear material around a reel drum, while also reducing stress acting on the end of the linear material that is connected to the drum. A connector ramp has a connector face generally perpendicular to the outer surface of the drum and is configured to orient the connecting section of a linear material substantially parallel to the outer surface of the drum. A guide groove promotes uniformity of spooling. A retraction limiting band maintains a length of the linear material wrapped around the drum. The retraction limiting band, guide groove, and connector ramp can be employed together or independently. Methods of spooling linear material with the use of such apparatus are also provided.

Abstract: A reel comprises a drum assembly enclosed within a shell comprising upper and lower shell portions. The drum assembly is secured to the lower shell portion. The drum assembly comprises a motor-driven rotating drum rigidly secured between two discs, and a frame subassembly. The drum is adapted to received a linear material spooled thereon. A first of the discs has a spiral groove on an outer surface thereof. The spiral groove has a first end near the center of the first disc and a second end near an outer edge thereof. The second end is tapered to lesser depth. The frame subassembly comprises side plates enclosing the drum and discs. A first side plate has a track assembly attached to its inner surface, and a translating plate adapted to translate horizontally within the track assembly. The translating plate has a horizontal pin at each of its ends, which pins are adapted to be received within the spiral groove of the first disc.

Abstract: A reel comprises a drum assembly enclosed within a shell comprising upper and lower shell portions. The drum assembly is secured to the lower shell portion. The drum assembly comprises a motor-driven rotating drum rigidly secured between two discs, and a frame subassembly. The drum is adapted to received a linear material spooled thereon. A first of the discs has a spiral groove on an outer surface thereof. The spiral groove has a first end near the center of the first disc and a second end near an outer edge thereof. The second end is tapered to lesser depth. The frame subassembly comprises side plates enclosing the drum and discs. A first side plate has a track assembly attached to its inner surface, and a translating plate adapted to translate horizontally within the track assembly. The translating plate has a horizontal pin at each of its ends, which pins are adapted to be received within the spiral groove of the first disc.