Abstract: A system, comprising: a housing comprising an elongated hollow body configured to be at least partially embedded in a soil environment adjacent a plant at a desired depth; a swellable element dimensioned to be disposed within the housing, the swellable element being configured to swell when absorbing moisture; a resiliently-compressible flexible tube configured to provide water to the soil environment, the flexible tube is laced transversely through tube openings of the housing, the flexible tube is disposed adjacent to the swellable element inside the housing such that a swelling or displacement of the swellable element compresses the flexible tube, thereby limiting or preventing water flow therethrough; and a moisture transfer adapter configured to communicate moisture along its length from a desired location within the soil environment to the swellable element, as well as methods of using the system.

Abstract: A system, comprising: a housing comprising an elongated hollow body configured to be at least partially embedded in a soil environment adjacent a plant at a desired depth; a swellable element dimensioned to be disposed within the housing, the swellable element being configured to swell when absorbing moisture; a resiliently-compressible flexible tube configured to provide water to the soil environment, the flexible tube is laced transversely through tube openings of the housing, the flexible tube is disposed adjacent to the swellable element inside the housing such that a swelling or displacement of the swellable element compresses the flexible tube, thereby limiting or preventing water flow therethrough; and a moisture transfer adapter configured to communicate moisture along its length from a desired location within the soil environment to the swellable element, as well as methods of using the system are provided.

Abstract: A multi-nodal distributed operant conditioning system and method consisting of a user node and one or more networked subject nodes. A user audience at a user node engages in operant conditioning with a subject at a networked subject node by observing real time image data of the subject and effecting operant conditioning signals to the subject in response to operantly offered behaviors by the subject. The multi-nodal, distributed nature of the embodiments provides for uses by a user audience in educational, entertainment, or therapeutic behavioral modification settings.

Abstract: Drip irrigation apparatus including a main water flow channel having associated therewith along a length thereof a plurality of pressure-controlled drip irrigation emitter units and at least one secondary water flow channel extending generally parallel to the main water flow channel and receiving water from at least one of the plurality of pressure-controlled drip irrigation emitter units, the at least one secondary water flow channel having water outlets disposed along the length of the main water flow channel, intermediate the plurality of pressure-controlled drip irrigation emitter units.

Abstract: Drip irrigation apparatus including a main water flow channel having associated therewith along a length thereof a plurality of pressure-controlled drip irrigation emitter units and at least one secondary water flow channel extending generally parallel to the main water flow channel and receiving water from at least one of the plurality of pressure-controlled drip irrigation emitter units, the at least one secondary water flow channel having water outlets disposed along the length of the main water flow channel, intermediate the plurality of pressure-controlled drip irrigation emitter units.

Abstract: Drip irrigation apparatus including a main water flow channel having associated therewith along a length thereof a plurality of pressure-controlled drip irrigation emitter units and at least one secondary water flow channel extending generally parallel to the main water flow channel and receiving water from at least one of the plurality of pressure-controlled drip irrigation emitter units, the at least one secondary water flow channel having water outlets disposed along the length of the main water flow channel, intermediate the plurality of pressure-controlled drip irrigation emitter units.

Abstract: The invention continuously monitors the current drawn from the on board battery system of a recreational vehicle or marine vessel. The device calculates and displays the energy remaining as a portion of the total capacity by accumulating over time the net energy drawn out of the battery. The device accurately accounts for the known effect of effectively lower battery capacities at higher current draws, and also allows the user to re-initialize the battery system capacity to reflect either degradation of the battery capacity with time or upgrades to the battery system.

Abstract: The invention provides instrumentation and control of the water plumbing system of a recreational vehicle, marine vessel or other such mobile self-contained environment. In addition to indicating externally supplied water pressure, typically from park or dock pressurized hook-ups, either a leak or an excessive pressure condition is detected, to which the device responds by energizing an appropriate alarm and performing safety functions. In the event of a leak, the onboard water pump is disabled and the external water supply is diverted from the vehicle plumbing and dumped to the onboard fresh water supply tank which is vented, thereby allowing overflow to the exterior of the vehicle instead of the interior. In the event of the external water pressure exceeding a safe allowable value the same dumping action is initiated to protect the plumbing system, or alternatively the device can provide for isolating the plumbing system from this external over-pressure.

Abstract: A technique for manufacturing extruded drip irrigation lines including drip irrigation elements having a non-circular cross section including the steps of:extruding a drip irrigation conduit; andheat welding discrete drip irrigation elements having a non-circular cross section to a portion of the interior surface of the drip irrigation conduit extending over less than the entire circumference thereof, the step of heat welding including the following steps:sequentially feeding discrete drip irrigation elements through the interior of the drip irrigation conduit;causing individual drip irrigation elements to establish initial contact with the extruded conduit as the extruded conduit is being stretched to its final cross sectional dimensions; andcompleting heat welding of the elements to the conduit when the conduit has substantially reached its final cross sectional dimensions.

Abstract: Recreational vehicles and marine vessels provide for cabin environment heating by a thermostatically controlled furnace which is typically fueled by a portable supply of liquefied petroleum gas and electrically powered by an on board battery. The invention detects and corrects for the situation where the furnace does not light by cycling the thermostat to allow the furnace to relight. The device will allow for three trials before the thermostat is locked out in an off position to prevent the furnace from blowing cold air and draining the battery system. The device provides for centrally located indication of the current temperature and a resettable display of the furnace retrial and lockout condition status, as well as the gas pressure as delivered to the furnace.

Abstract: A vehicle inertia and center of gravity estimator uses averaged displacement measurements to estimate changes in vehicle body mass, vehicle center of gravity location, and vehicle pitch moment of inertia, due to variations in fuel load, passenger load, and cargo load. The system is responsive to the acceleration of the vehicle for providing displacement readings, the mass of the vehicle, and the rotation of the vehicle to optimally adjust vehicle parameters. Variables used in estimating vehicle conditions include vehicle vertical displacement, vehicle ride height, vehicle mass, vehicle pitch moment of inertia, vehicle center of gravity location, and vehicle wheel base.

Abstract: A system and method for estimating hill slope and coefficient of friction for a road surface from vehicle and engine measurements. A first variable related to hill slope and a second variable related to road surface coefficient of friction are generated from the vehicle and engine measurements and may be used in a variety of control applications. The method includes the steps of generating a first variable related to the slope of the hill and a second variable related to the coefficient of friction of the road surface. The hill slope can be determined from the first variable and the coefficient of friction of the road surface can be determined from the second variable. These estimated values can then be used in control applications. The braking and traction control systems of a vehicle respond to a first variable related to hill slope and a second variable related to road surface of coefficient of friction.

Abstract: An adaptive throttle controller for vehicle traction control is capable of adapting to changes in vehicle and engine parameters in order to compensate for uncertainties in vehicle parameters. The controller operates in a self-tuning mode by varying feedback gains online based on input/output relationships. The throttle controller system includes a wheel speed sensor for providing a first feedback variable related to wheel spin error, a traction controller for providing a second feedback variable related to throttle position, and a throttle control system responsive to the first and second feedback variable for controlling the throttle position to prevent wheel spin.

Abstract: A method and system for controlling a vehicle braking system on slippery surfaces and hills uses estimates of external conditions from vehicle and engine measurements in a feedforward manner to control vehicle brake pressure on slippery or changing surfaces and hills to compensate for external disturbances in an optimal manner. The present invention provides a dual feedforward/feedback system for and method of controlling vehicle braking. The method includes the step of generating a first disturbance value related to the slope of a hill and a second disturbance value related to the coefficient of friction of the road surface. The first and second disturbance values are then summed to generate a feedforward control value for controlling the level of vehicle braking. The system for controlling vehicle braking includes a first disturbance value related to the slope of a hill and a second disturbance value related to the coefficient of friction of the road surface.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling vehicle traction uses estimates of external conditions from vehicle and engine measurements in a feedforward manner to control vehicle traction on slippery or changing surfaces and hills to compensate for external disturbances in an optimal manner. The present invention provides a dual feedforward/feedback system for a method of controlling vehicle traction. The method includes the step of generating a first feedforward value related to the slope of a hill and a second feedforward value related to the coefficient of friction of the load surface. The first and second feedforward values are then summed to generate a feedforward control value for controlling the level of vehicle traction. The system for controlling vehicle traction includes a first feedforward value related to the slope of a hill and a second feedforward value related to the coefficient of friction of the road surface.