Abstract: Systems and methods for firework water illusions are disclosed. In one aspect, a device for creating an illusion of rotary pyrotechnics includes at least one nozzle configured to rotate about an axis of the device and spray water in a radial direction while rotating. The device can also include a water supply configured to provide the water to the at least one nozzle and a lighting system configured to illuminate the water sprayed from the at least one nozzle to create an illusion of rotary pyrotechnics.

Abstract: Systems and methods for firework water illusions are disclosed. In one aspect, a device for creating an illusion of rotary pyrotechnics includes at least one nozzle configured to rotate about an axis of the device and spray water in a radial direction while rotating. The device can also include a water supply configured to provide the water to the at least one nozzle and a lighting system configured to illuminate the water sprayed from the at least one nozzle to create an illusion of rotary pyrotechnics.

Abstract: A garden watering controller for operating a valve for controlling a supply of water into a garden watering arrangement includes a light sensor for sensing ambient light levels and a central unit for receiving sensed light level signals from the light sensor and for outputting control signals for operating the valve in dependence on the sensed light level signals. The central unit may be arranged to determine the occurrence of dawn and dusk.

Abstract: A method of making a sputtering target includes providing a backing structure, and forming a copper indium gallium sputtering target material on the backing structure by cold spraying. The step of cold spraying includes spraying a powder comprising copper, indium and gallium in a process gas stream, and at least one of an average particle size of the powder is at least 35 ?m, a velocity of the process gas stream is at least 150 m/s, or a process gas pressure is 20 bar or less.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided to automatically determine plant water requirements and adjust irrigation in order to make efficient use of water. In one implementation an irrigation control unit comprises at least one input configured to be coupled to and receive signals from a temperature sensor, the signals corresponding to current values of temperature. The unit also includes a memory storing historical values of a plurality of variables and a processor coupled to the at least one input and the memory. The processor is configured to determine plant water requirements at least in part using the historical values of the plurality of variables and the current values of the temperature.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an articulated nozzle system comprising a nozzle cap for directing water exiting the nozzle cap, wherein the water exiting the nozzle cap has an average flow direction away from a nozzle cap base plane. The articulated nozzle system further comprises a nozzle cap driver for orienting the nozzle cap about a central pivot point to adjustably define the average flow direction, wherein the nozzle cap driver is linked to the nozzle cap. The nozzle cap driver can be moved along a plane, referred to as a driver support plane, by a drive module. Changing the location of nozzle cap driver along the driver support plane can change the orientation of the nozzle cap about the central pivot to adjust the average flow direction of the water exiting the nozzle cap.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to an illuminated lawn and garden sprinkler. More specifically, this disclosure relates to an, electrically independent, illuminated lawn and garden sprinkler, using a micro-generator for power and advanced circuitry, including a photoelectric sensor, for display control. Illuminated sprinklers are an aesthetic enhancement using light to interplay with the discharging water and highlighting landscaping. Illuminated sprinklers encourage nighttime watering, increasing watering efficiency and water conservation.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided to automatically determine plant water requirements and adjust irrigation in order to make efficient use of water. In one implementation, an irrigation control unit comprises at least one input adapted to be coupled to and receive signals from a rainfall sensor and a temperature sensor, the signals corresponding to current values of an amount of rainfall and temperature. The unit also includes a memory storing historical values of a plurality of variables and a processor coupled to the at least one input and the memory. The processor is adapted to determine plant water requirements at least in part using the historical values of the plurality of variables and the current values of the temperature and the amount of rainfall.

Abstract: Method for performing a thermal spray process. Method includes heating and/or accelerating a gas to form an effluent gas stream, feeding a particulate-bearing carrier stream through an axial injection port into the effluent gas stream to form a mixed stream, in which the axial injection port includes a plurality of chevrons located at a distal end of said axial injection port, and impacting the mixed stream on a substrate to form a coating.

Abstract: A hose controlled sprinkler device, whose sequential liquid output states can be remotely controlled by a substantially unidirectional movement of a hose connected to the sprinkler device. The hose controlled sprinkler device includes a valve and at least one valve support. The valve includes a moveable member, a valve housing, an inlet connection configured for connection to the hose and an outlet connection. The valve is configured to have at least one liquid off state, a liquid on state, and a liquid off state output sequence at the outlet connection. The sequence is established by a pressurized liquid input at the inlet connection and further by a unidirectional movement of the movable member and the housing one about the other. The at least one valve support is connected to the valve and is configured to stabilize the valve above at least one of a ground and a lawn.

Abstract: A fountain base for supporting one or more statues on top of a disappearing water fountain. The fountain base includes a basin, a statue support located in the basin, and an access lid that permits maintenance access to the interior of the basin without having to remove the statue from the statue support. A pump located within the basin delivers water from the basin to the top of the statue where it is released to flow over the exterior of the surface of the statue, through the access lid, and back into the basin. The access lid, which may be supported by a statue stand or a system of pillars, includes one or more panels that can be removed without removing the statue from the statue support. The panels may include access doors to permit easy access to the interior of the basin.

Abstract: A sprinkler play system has a central distribution station and a plurality of sprinkler stations. The sprinkler stations may be spaced apart on a lawn. The sprinkler stations are connected to the distribution station with flexible water conduits. Each of the sprinkler stations includes a low voltage solenoid valve. Electrical conductors may be included with the flexible water conduits in order to operate the solenoid valves. A control unit permits selective activation of the individual sprinkler stations.

Abstract: A protection device for a sprinkler is connected between two rods of the sprinkler and includes two recessed support areas which are located beneath two extreme positions of a travel trace of the pivotable tube of the sprinkler. When the pivotable tube is pressed by a load, the pivotable tube is supported by either of the two recessed support areas so as to protect the gear mechanism from being damaged.

Abstract: The present invention represents a breakthrough in advertisement tools. The liquid sign uses a system of chambers and electrically powered pumps to produce a dynamic and visually appealing advertising sign. The advertising sign of the invention uses a liquid in motion contained in a front chamber of the sign to highlight the color and other visual characteristics of a beverage or any liquid product being advertised. The liquid in motion highlights and showcases any given characteristic of a product being advertised, including bubble or foam producing capacity, color, brightness, or a logo or symbol placed on the background of the liquid in motion. It also provides for a visually attractive, electrically or battery powered and affordable advertising tool which can be used indoors or outdoors in many different settings.

Abstract: A fountain device includes a container including a reservoir to hold and retain circulating fluid within the fountain device, where the container includes an opening and a lip extending around at least a peripheral portion of the opening, a pump securable within the container, a cover configured to encompass the opening and engage the lip of the container when the cover is installed on the container, and a discharge hose securable to an outlet of the pump and extendable to an outlet of the container. The cover includes a plurality of apertures that facilitate passage of fluid through the cover to the reservoir of the container. In addition, a kit including all of the above described components of the fountain device is provided, where the components are assembled within the kit to permit easy installation of the fountain device.

Abstract: A fountain for heating and distributing fluidic material is manufactured using various processes and materials so that the fountain is more easily cleaned and sanitized, has improved performance, and is easier to assemble. In one embodiment, the chocolate fountain includes a heating element encased in an aluminum enclosure. A basin containing chocolate is heated by contact with the aluminum enclosure. Because the aluminum enclosure has a relatively high thermal conductivity, the basin is heating substantially uniformly, thus reducing the occurrence of hot spots. Additionally, a plastic auger having a spiral flight rotates and lifts the melted chocolate upward to a top end of cylinder that houses the auger. The use of a plastic auger advantageously eliminates welding artifacts on the auger, such as burrs and pits, on which melted chocolate may accumulate. Accordingly, the plastic auger is easy to clean. A smaller chocolate fountain that may advantageously be more suitable for home use is also described herein.

Abstract: A water diverter has a double hose connection, a spigot and an outdoor light all mounted on a movable stake for providing an extra faucet at any desired location. The diverter allows a hose connection to another location, such as a recreational vehicle water supply, thereby extending the water source. The light on the water diverter is automatic, turning on at dusk, providing illumination that is required for safety and security purposes.

Abstract: Various nozzles, components of nozzles, and methods, materials and devices for making them are disclosed.

Abstract: An underground watering system including a reservoir having a water inlet and a water outlet, a float control connected to the water inlet for maintaining a water level in the reservoir, a fertilizer container supported on the reservoir having an opening therein communicating with reservoir by which fertilizer may be added to water within the reservoir, and at least one water soaking hose connected to the reservoir water outlet.

Abstract: An underground watering system including a reservoir having a water inlet and a water outlet, a float control connected to the water inlet for maintaining a water level in the reservoir, a fertilizer container supported on the reservoir having an opening therein communicating with reservoir by which fertilizer may be added to water within the reservoir, and at least one water soaking hose connected to the reservoir water outlet.

Abstract: The present invention provides a new waterfall apparatus water reservoirs such as pools, spa's and the like. It comprises a manifold having a water inlet connected to the a water supply, preferably the water supply from the reservoir's plumbing. The manifold has internal baffles to remove turbulence from the water, which is then directed to a spillway water outlet. The spillway has a through slot that allows water to flow out from the manifold. It also has a removable outlet cap which forms the water into a particular waterfall shape. Another embodiment of the invention for spas, has a tubular body and a outlet that is in the form of a longitudinal slot in the body. The outlet cap is then mounted in the slot. In both embodiments the outlet cap can be easily removed to clean the apparatus if debris becomes lodged within it. It can also be removed if the spillway becomes damaged or it the pool/spa owner would like to change the type of waterfall produced by the apparatus.

Abstract: A remote controlled hose valve system for use with a water source and a hose having one end connectable to a fluid activated device and an opposite connector end is disclosed. The hose valve system includes a valve unit and a remote control unit. The valve unit has an inlet coupler connectable to the water source. The valve unit also has a hose coupler coupled to the opposite connector end of the hose. A conduit allows fluid flow between the inlet coupler and the hose coupler. A valve is located in the conduit and permits fluid flow in the conduit. An actuator which may be an electric motor is connected to the valve. A power source is provided for the actuator. A signal receiver is coupled to the power source and the actuator. The receiver allows power flow to the actuator to close or open the valve in response to a unique signal. The remote control unit includes a transmitter which sends a unique signal to open or close the valve.

Abstract: A new Illuminated Lawn Sprinkler for which provides an aesthetically pleasing display of light and color through illuminated water patterns. The inventive device includes lighting fixture with removable lens, water sensor means which controls the battery operated water source.

Abstract: Mechanism for adjustably moving two separate series of water fountain nozzles. The mechanism includes a pair of elongated push rods being driven in opposite directions by a single electric motor having two eccentric arms. The push rods are each separately connected to a spaced series of fountain nozzle assemblies by a slip ring adjustably connected to an elongated length of pipe forming part of each nozzle assembly. By varying the location of the slip ring along the length of the nozzle assembly's pipe, infinite variations in the extent of the arc through which the nozzle's tip will sweep during oscillation of the push bars is achieved.