Abstract: Preferred aspects of this invention relate to surface irrigation methods, systems and kits for irrigating a ground surface. In particular, these irrigation methods and systems are designed to conserve water and reduce run-off. Embodiments of the irrigation systems comprise a pipe and an emitter assembly, which comprises a sealing adapter, an emitter tube and a pressure compensating flow emitter. In preferred embodiments, such irrigation systems further comprise a controller adapted to transmit and receive data, including weather data, from a remote transceiver and adjust irrigation parameters for the system based on the data.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a subirrigation system designed for deployment within an absorbent soil medium beneath one or more plants. The system comprises one or more reservoirs that may be partially filled with an irrigating liquid. The top of each reservoir has a plurality of holes to allow for drainage and air exchange and at least one trough, which extends down into the reservoir. The trough floor has a plurality of holes so that irrigating liquid in the reservoir may pass into the absorbent soil medium which fills the trough and upward by capillary movement to the roots. Systems for linking, automating and controlling the subirrigation process are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a subirrigation system designed for deployment within an absorbent soil medium beneath one or more plants. The system comprises one or more reservoirs that may be partially filled with an irrigating liquid. The top of each reservoir has a plurality of holes to allow for drainage and air exchange and at least one trough, which extends down into the reservoir. The trough floor has a plurality of holes so that irrigating liquid in the reservoir may pass into the absorbent soil medium which fills the trough and upward by capillary movement to the roots. Systems for linking, automating and controlling the subirrigation process are disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus and method for growing plants, the apparatus having a container, a soil support platform positioned within the container having an elevated portion and a trough, and a tube for transmitting water and oxygen below the platform. The container has a plurality of holes in its side at a height similar to or slightly above that of the elevated portion of the platform so as to permit direct flow of oxygen from outside the container to the soil on the platform. The trough has a plurality of holes to allow water in the trough thus allowing the soil to take up water by capillary action. The elevated portion of the platform also has a plurality of holes to allow the oxygen to travel beneath the platform and into the soil. The apparatus is best used with soil that is a combination of peat, wood particles, and, and perlite to facilitate capillary feeding.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an illuminated screw driver or hand tool. The hand tool has a hollow handle body within which is disposed at least one light bulb, one power source and a spring for biasing the light bulb and the power source out of contact with one another. Rotation of an end cap switch moves the power source towards contact with the light bulb thereby completing the circuit and lighting the bulb. Alternate embodiments illustrate illuminated screwdrivers having one, two or three such light bulbs and power sources and spring means for biasing each bulb and power source out of contact with one another. In the embodiment having three light bulbs there is provided a mechanism for selectively turning on one, two or all three of the light bulbs.