Abstract: A pilot type diaphragm valve assembly is provided which includes a solenoid-operated pilot valve which may be opened to remove fluid pressure from a chamber in the valve housing causing the main valve to open, and which may be closed to cause a buildup of hydraulic pressure in the valve housing causing the main valve to close. The solenoid-operated pilot valve includes an outlet which may be coupled to a reservoir at atmospheric pressure, or to any other suitable receptacle, to make the pressure differential across the diaphragm within the valve independent of pressure differentials in the fluid flow through the valve so as to obviate instability at low flow rates.

Abstract: An electric programmer is provided which has general utility, although it will be described herein for controlling electrically-operated water valves in a lawn sprinkler system. The programmer is constructed to control a plurality of different valves for successive time intervals at one or more predetermined time period during each day of the week, although means are provided to enable the programmer to skip one or more days, if so desired. The programmer to be described includes means which permits a separate setting to be manually established for each of the valves which determines the length of the time interval each valve is to be activated during the aforesaid time period.

Abstract: A solid state timing valve control system and unit is provided which may be battery operated, and which has particular although not exclusive utility for controlling a water lawn sprinkler system. The control unit of the invention may be coupled to a water control valve in the sprinkler system, and it acts automatically to turn the valve on at the start of each of a succession of preset watering cycles, and to turn the valve off after a preset watering time at the completion of each such cycle. The control unit includes a latching-type solenoid for controlling the water control valve. The unit also includes a solid state miniaturized electronic system for introducing a turn-on pulse to the solenoid at the start of each preset watering cycle, and for introducing a turn-off pulse to the solenoid at the completion of each cycle.

Abstract: A programmed control unit is provided which is capable of controlling one or more pieces of electrical equipment, and of turning such equipment on and off automatically at pre-established times which may change from day-to-day. The programmed control unit of the invention includes, for example, one or more program storage members which control the electrical switching of one or more associated pieces of equipment on an independent basis, and in accordance with a program which may extend, for example, from day-to-day, for a month or more.