Abstract: A controller which can be set to operate a group of sprinkler control valves, which can be easily set and tested for proper automatic operation, and which can operate a sprinkler system in a variety of ways. The controller includes a clock, a series of dividers for dividing down the frequency of the clock, and a group of controls that can be operated to begin sprinking cycles at predetermined times and close the sprinking control valves after predetermined durations. A selector control can be utilized to effectively increase the frequency of the clock, as by bypassing a divider stage, to operate the system at a very rapid rate, which is useful in testing the system for automatic operation after it is set and for repetitive short duration sprinkling cycles. The controller has a cascade input that enables the beginning of a cycle of operation by an external signal, to permit repeated cycling of the system, and to synchronize a group of controllers.

Abstract: A fluid control system (and controller and moisture sensor therefor) having one or more latching solenoid operated pilot control valves and a master control unit for controlling the valves. The valves utilize a concentric arrangement of the major components thereof, each being coaxially located with respect to a single housing member. The control electronics may be battery operated and may locate with respect to one valve to provide drive signals to control one or more valves in sequence. The control electronics utilizes an oscillator such as a crystal oscillator with a chain of count down flip-flops to provide binary signals up to a period of preferably twenty-four hours or more. A manual selection is provided to select among the longer period signals to control the frequency with which the operating cycle is initiated, with a second manual control being used to select one of the lower frequency signals to control the duration for which each valve will remain open.

Abstract: An improved pilot operated valve which may be used in fluid control systems which may have one or more latching unit for controlling the valves. The valves utilizing a concentric arrangement of the major components thereof, each being coaxially located with respect to a single housing member. These major components include the valve closure member, the pilot valve, the diaphragm separating the high and low pressure areas, and the latching actuator controlling the pilot valve. A mounting flange member is provided for threading into a valve body, and is in turn threaded to the valve body member so that the entire valve assembly may be rotated much like a conventional valve handle to provide a flow control, and a manual shutoff if desired. The control electronics may be battery operated and may locate with respect to one valve to provide drive signals to control one or more valves in sequence. Other controls and actuators may be used.

Abstract: A fluid control system (and controller and moisture sensor therefor) having one or more latching solenoid operated pilot control valves and a master control unit for controlling the valves. The valves utilize a concentric arrangement of the major components thereof, each being coaxially located with respect to a single housing member. The control electronics may be battery operated and may locate with respect to one valve to provide drive signals to control one or more valves in sequence. The control electronics utilizes an oscillator such as a crystal oscillator with a chain of count down flip-flops to provide binary signals up to a period of preferably twenty-four hours or more. A manual selection is provided to select among the longer period signals to control the frequency with which the operating cycle is initiated, with a second manual control being used to select one of the lower frequency signals to control the duration for which each valve will remain open.

Abstract: A battery operated fluid control system, which may be used in a sprinkler stem having a master valve unit with a battery operated electronic clock therein for periodically opening the valve for a preset duration in response to the clock turn-on pulse, and being operable with one or more slave valve units connected in series to sequentially open the slave valves for their corresponding preset time duration. The clock is comprised of an oscillator having a plurality of countdown flip-flops, with the clock turn-on pulse being selectable from the outputs of a group of the lower flip-flops to give a selection of valve turn-on intervals. A battery operated solenoid valve of the latching type and associated circuitry is located in the master valve unit and each of the slave valve units, with the circuitry being adapted to receive a pulse, either from the clock or from the turn-off signal of the previous valve unit, and to provide a turn-on pulse to the solenoid.