Abstract: A decoder-based irrigation controller comprising a controller housing; a first microcontroller within the controller housing; a decoder interface coupled to the first microcontroller; and a handheld user device, wherein the handheld user device comprises an optical imaging device configured to read an optically readable pattern from each of the plurality of decoder units, wherein the handheld user device is configured to cause data read from the optically readable pattern of the plurality of decoder units to be transferred to the first microcontroller, and wherein the data read comprises an address of each of the plurality of decoder units.

Abstract: Described herein are several embodiments relating to irrigation controllers.

Abstract: A wireless system is provided for monitoring environmental, soil, or climate conditions and/or controlling irrigation or climate control systems at an agricultural or landscape site. In some embodiments, the wireless system includes at least one wireless control nodes for monitoring environmental, soil, or climate conditions and/or for controlling one or more irrigation or climate control systems at the site. The wireless system also includes a web based application or a cell phone application and a gateway coupled to a communications network. The communications network is configured to transfer data to and receive remote control commands or queries from an end-user.

Abstract: Rotary nozzles are provided that produce multiple discrete water streams for the irrigation of a substantially rectangular irrigation area. The nozzles may be designed to function as one of a left corner strip nozzle, right corner strip nozzle, and side strip nozzle. Each nozzle includes a particular type of nozzle housing with multiple flow channels oriented to irrigate a rectangular area in a certain position relative to the nozzle. The side strip nozzle includes one or more groups of two flow channels that are asymmetric with respect to one another. Further, each nozzle includes a deflector that rotates in either a clockwise or counterclockwise direction, depending on the position of the rectangular irrigation area relative to the nozzle. By matching deflector rotation with the position of the rectangular irrigation area, the uniformity of irrigation within the rectangular irrigation area can be increased.

Abstract: A pressure compensation member, an irrigation drip emitter, drip lines and methods relating to same, are provided for delivering irrigation water from a supply tube to an emitter outlet at a reduced and relatively constant flow rate. The pressure compensation member being suitable for use in conventional emitters or alternate emitters being provided having either a uniform elastomeric emitter body configuration or a poly-material emitter body utilizing an elastomeric pressure compensation member. Various methods are also disclosed herein relating to the pressure compensation member, emitters and/or drip line using such pressure compensating members and/or emitters.

Abstract: In some embodiments, provide an irrigation sensor system, comprising: a rain funnel comprising an upper opening and at least one wall tapering from the upper opening to a lower aperture; and a tipping bucket positioned to receive water falling from the lower aperture while the tipping bucket is positioned such that a central longitudinal axis of the tipping bucket is not aligned with an axis extending through the lower aperture of the funnel.

Abstract: There are provided moisture sensing devices. These devices can be used to sense moisture in various mediums. They also can be used to control irrigation through use in valves and electronic switches and data feedback devices.

Abstract: The present embodiments provide systems, processes and/or methods of controlling irrigation. In some embodiments, methods are provided that receive (4112) water usage information corresponding to a first volumetric water usage at a site location having an irrigation controller (130), wherein the first volumetric water usage corresponds to volumetric water usage from a beginning of a budget period of time to a first time within the budget period of time; determine (4114) automatically whether a volumetric water budget at the site location will be met for the budget period of time based on at least the first volumetric water usage, the volumetric water budget corresponding to a specified volume of water for use during the budget period of time; determine (4116) automatically, in the event the volumetric water budget will not be met, an adjustment to the irrigation by the irrigation controller; and output (4118) signaling to effect the adjustment.

Abstract: Rotary nozzles and deflectors for use with rotary nozzles are provided. The deflector includes a number of flutes that deliver fluid streams radially outwardly from the deflector. Fluid striking the flutes of the deflector cause the deflector to rotate, and the flutes subdivide fluid impacting deflector into multiple fluid streams that are distributed radially outwardly to surrounding terrain as the deflector rotates. Each of the flutes have the same curvature, although they may have different inclinations to distribute fluid streams at different trajectories. The flutes may also include blocking and downward-facing features at the ends of the flutes to improve the evenness of the fluid distribution in the irrigation coverage area.

Abstract: There is provided a compact printed circuit board. The compact printed circuit board has a flexible rigid printed circuit board connector with a rigid printed circuit board attached at each end of the connector. The printed circuit board can then be folded into a compact, overlying configuration. As such, the compact printed circuit board has a smaller footprint than a standard rectangular printed circuit board, while maintaining the same or having increased micro-electronics and functionality. The compact configuration allows the folded printed circuit board to be integrated with a solenoid used in the control of a valve or sprinkler of an irrigation system.

Abstract: There is provided a turf cup assembly that attaches to a buried pop-up type sprinkler to blend a top of sprinkler both cosmetically and functionally with turf surrounding the sprinkler. The turf cup assembly includes a turf cup and a sleeve. The turf cup mounts to a riser of the pop-up type sprinkler. The turf cup contains soil and root structure of turf. The sleeve surrounds the turf cup and attaches to a top of a housing of a pop-up sprinkler. The sleeve can be at or slightly below grade, and the cup extends out of the sleeve during an irrigation cycle and retracts into the sleeve at the end of the irrigation cycle.

Abstract: An irrigation controller comprising a housing, a control circuit having a processor and a memory, the control circuit configured to store and execute an irrigation schedule, an input connector configured to be coupled to an alternating current (AC) power supply and receive an AC power signal having a first voltage level, a transformer disposed at least partially in the housing, the transformer having a primary side and a secondary side, wherein the primary side is coupled to the input connector, a resettable fuse disposed at least partially in the housing, the fuse being electrically coupled in series between the input connector and the primary side of the transformer, driver circuitry disposed in the housing and electrically coupled to the secondary side of the transformer, and wherein the driver circuitry is coupled to the control circuit, and an output connector coupled to the driver circuitry.

Abstract: A solenoid is provided having an improved connection arrangement. The solenoid includes external wires that are coupled to internal solenoid components via terminals. Further, a sealed solenoid is provided having a housing overmolded onto a solenoid subassembly. External wires can be coupled to the solenoid after overmolding. The solenoid may also include a cavity for receiving at least one of electrical component. The solenoid may also include a powdered metal core.

Abstract: Several embodiments provide wireless irrigation control and related methods. In one implementation, an irrigation control system includes a transmitter unit including a controller and a connector to be coupled to an irrigation controller having station actuation output connectors. The controller is can receive an indication that the irrigation controller has activated an irrigation station, and can cause the transmitter unit to transmit a wireless activation signal responsive to the indication. A receiver unit is coupled to an actuator coupled to an actuatable device, such as an irrigation valve, the actuator configured to actuate the irrigation valve to control the flow of water therethrough. The receiver unit receives the wireless activation signal and in response, causes the actuator to actuate the actuatable device.

Abstract: Some embodiments provide an interface unit interfacing with an irrigation controller, comprising: a housing; a controller configured to instruct an interruption of a watering schedule executed by the irrigation controller, the interruption based on one or both of sensed temperature and sensed rainfall amount, and based on one or both of user entered temperature and rainfall threshold parameters; a switching device coupled with the controller, and configured to cause the interruption in response to signaling from the controller; and a user interface comprising: a plurality of user input devices configured to provide signaling to the controller based upon user's engagement, and configured to allow the user to define the temperature and rainfall threshold parameters; and a user display comprising a display screen; wherein the controller is configured to cause the display screen to display a plurality of pictorial representations that in combination convey whether irrigation is being interrupted.

Abstract: An irrigation control device comprises a coil adapted to develop an electromagnetic flux sufficient to cause actuation of irrigation equipment. Control circuitry is electrically coupled to the coil to receive control signals from an irrigation control unit and to control the flux at the coil. A housing covers at least a portion of both the coil and the control circuitry, the housing including a threaded end configured to thread the irrigation control device to a valve assembly to be actuated by the electromagnetic flux of the coil.

Abstract: An integrated irrigation valve control device has a coil adapted to develop an electromagnetic flux sufficient to cause actuation of irrigation equipment. Control circuitry is electrically coupled to the coil to control the flux at the coil. A housing covers at least a portion of the coil and at least a portion of the control circuitry.

Abstract: A drip emitter is provided for delivering irrigation water from a supply tube to an emitter outlet at a reduced and relatively constant flow rate. Water enters the emitter through a first inlet and proceeds into a first chamber. When the water pressure is above a predetermined level, a one-directional valve opens to allow fluid flow past the first chamber, through a tortuous path flow channel, and through an emitter outlet. A second inlet is used to compensate for water pressure fluctuations in the supply tube to maintain output flow at a relatively constant rate. Water enters the second inlet and presses a flexible diaphragm toward a water metering surface to provide pressure-dependent control of the output flow. A copper member is mounted to the emitter over the emitter outlet to prevent plant root intrusion into the emitter outlet.

Abstract: A solenoid is provided having an improved connection arrangement. The solenoid includes external wires that are coupled to internal solenoid components via terminals. Further, a sealed solenoid is provided having a housing overmolded onto a solenoid subassembly. External wires can be coupled to the solenoid after overmolding. The solenoid may also include a cavity for receiving at least one of electrical component. The solenoid may also include a powdered metal core.

Abstract: Some embodiments provide methods and systems of controlling irrigation. Some of these systems comprise: a connector of a controller interface (CI) coupled with an irrigation controller, wherein the connector is configured to receive a valve activation signal activated by the irrigation controller; a user interface of the CI; a processor of the CI configured to obtain valve transceiver (VT) programming with VT programming being received from inputs through the user interface, determine a station identifier, and identify as defined in the VT programming a remote valve associated with the station identifier and controlled by a remote VT; and a wireless transceiver configured to wirelessly transmit a wireless activation signal configured to be wirelessly received by the VT controlling the valve associated by the VT programming with the station identifier such that the VT is configured to control an actuator to actuate the valve.