Abstract: A sprinkler controller includes a central portion and a peripheral switch being moveable in an arcuate path relative to the central portion. The peripheral switch may be a peripheral dial that can be rotated about the central portion. The dial may be rotated to select a particular mode of the sprinkler controller. A display screen is positioned on the central portion. At least two controls are also positioned on the central portion. When a mode is selected by using the peripheral dial, the user may then employ the controls (and the display on the screen) to modify the settings for the sprinkler controller. A method of using the sprinkler controller is also disclosed.

Abstract: The activation and deactivation of a plurality of irrigation valves in accordance with instructions programmed into a programmable irrigation valve controller can be overridden by signals received by the controller from a remote control unit or a rain delay input. This allows remote control of sprinklers from the area being watered rather than at the location of the controller. This allows sprinkler repairs, modifications to watering patterns, and turning off and back on of sprinklers such as to access a portion of the irrigated area to be done without running back and forth to the controller. It also allows easy delay of watering after a rain. A construction of a programmable controller apparatus allows covering of wires extending from the apparatus and funneling of such wires into a conduit.

Abstract: A programmable controller apparatus and method for irrigation systems including at least one removable control module interfacing with internal circuitry of the programmable controller for activating and operating a plurality of watering valves. A housing unit is provided for the control module and the internal control circuitry of the programmable controller to prevent water contamination and unauthorized tampering. The removable control module interfaces with the internal circuitry of the controller to provide variations in programmable watering sequences for individual watering stations. The control module, in addition, comprises multiple programming keys and switches that provide interaction between the electronic programming and manual programming features which function in combination to provide easier programming options for the irrigation controller.

Abstract: Adapter pipe fittings for sprinkler or drip-type irrigation systems are improved by providing a two piece pipe fitting, a manifold piece that snaps into a body piece and swivels therein. Such adapter pipe fittings are often required to be installed adjacent to a sidewalk, wall, fence, or other like obstruction whereby there is restricted clearance especially if the pipe fittings has laterally projecting offtake connector members extending therefrom. The fitting is especially well adapted for installation at sites where there is restricted clearance because the body piece can swivel about the manifold piece and the manifold piece is therefore not required to turn while the adapter pipe fitting body piece is being screwed onto an underground piping system.

Abstract: A rainfall detector for detecting a set amount of rainfall and which functions to interrupt the normal operation of an automatic sprinkler or irrigation system upon detection of the set amount of rainfall, includes a rainwater-collection tray having an opening and mounted so that the portion of the opening exposed to rainwater during a rainstorm is adjustable. The rainwater-collection tray may be slidably mounted below a detector housing which houses a switching circuit with two sensors extending into the tray, and which serves to block the rain from the open portion of the tray beneath the housing. Thus, the portion of the tray opening exposed to rain is adjusted by sliding the tray so that more or less of the opening is covered by the housing. The tray may also include posts extending upwardly from the bottom of the tray and terminating below the top edge of the tray for preventing debris from filling the rain-collecting portion of the tray.

Abstract: Adapter pipe fittings for sprinkler or drip-type irrigation systems are improved by providing take-off fittings that snap into offtake connector members of the pipe body of such an adapter pipe fitting and swivels therein. The offtake portion of such a take-off swivel fitting preferably includes a screw threaded tip backed by a barb for enhancing holding of attached offtake tubing during the swivel action and for enabling selected take-off swivel fittings in manifold type units to be closed off by screwing plugs onto the threaded terminal ends thereof.

Abstract: The invention is a weather resistant container in the nature of a box with tightly fitting cover for a timer unit controlling operation of an irrigation system and associated transformer and electrical plug. The container also houses an electrical receptacle and wiring. Such container is adapted to receive electrical power from an outside source through conventional electrical conduit. Within the box are provided supports for a removable, broad partition wall defining a relatively shallow wiring compartment between the back wall and the partition wall and a relatively deep compartment between the partition wall and open front of the box for housing the timer components.