Abstract: A stabilizing apparatus for stabilizing a mobile irrigation tower of a pivot irrigation system includes a pair of outrigger arms which extend from opposite sides of the irrigation tower. The outrigger arms are able to move between an extended position and a retracted position. The distal ends of the out rigger arms present ground engaging elements adapted for low friction passage across a farm ground surface. When the outrigger arms are in the extended position, the ground engaging element of each arm is in contact with or at least in close proximity to the farm ground surface at a location which is spaced transversely away from the irrigation tower. If the outrigger arms are in the extended position and if the irrigation system is subjected to a high velocity wind, the ground engaging elements will engage the farm ground surface and resist overturning movement of the irrigation tower.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an adjustable pressure injection device system for delivering an agent into a tree, comprising at least two fill bottles for containing the agent; a cap attached to the open end of the bottles, the cap comprising at least two ports and an on/off valve; a main line connected to the cap through a port, wherein the agent flows out of the bottle and into the main line; a parallel distribution system (PDS) connected to the main line, wherein the PDS comprises multiple ports, each port either being closed or connected to an injection line, and further wherein the PDS is optionally expandable by combining a PDS with additional PDS units; at least 2 injection lines connected to the PDS through the PDS ports, and an injection needle attached to each injection line, wherein the agent flows through the injection needle into the tree.

Abstract: A multi-stage ejector for generating a vacuum from a source of compressed air or fluid by passing the compressed air or fluid through a series of nozzles, accelerating and entraining the compressed air or fluid so as to form a jet flow in one or more stages and generate a vacuum across each stage. The multi-stage ejector may include a first drive stage; a second stage; and a converging-diverging nozzle provided in the series of nozzles between the first drive stage and the second stage. The multi-stage ejector, in use, may receive jet flow from the first drive stage, accelerate the jet flow to form a second stage air jet and direct the second stage air jet into an inlet of an outlet nozzle of the second stage. The converging-diverging nozzle may be formed in a molded nozzle piece mounted in the multi-stage ejector.

Abstract: An irrigation system ground spike for securing at least one component of an irrigation system includes a spike portion for penetrating soil to hold the ground spike in position and at least two holding portions. Each holding portion holds a respective component of an irrigation system wherein a first of the two holding portions differs from a second of the two portions so facilitating use of the spike for selectively securing respective different components. In particular one of the holding portions is arranged for holding tube or hose of a first diameter and another of the holding portions is arranged for holding tube or hose of a second diameter.

Abstract: An irrigation device for facilitating growth of a plant includes a mat that is air and water permeable and has an opening through which a plant extends. A slit extends from the opening to a peripheral edge to facilitate placement of the mat around the plant. A drip tube is disposed within the mat between upper and lower surfaces, and has an open end connectable to a water source, and a series of emitters along the length thereof permitting water to exit the drip tube and through the lower surface of the mat. Stakes may extend through the mat and direct water into the ground towards roots of the plant.

Abstract: A center pivot irrigation system including a plurality of towers having circumferential and counter-circumferential legs; circumferential and counter-circumferential pivot arms having proximal ends respectively pivotally attached to the circumferential and counter-circumferential legs; circumferential and counter-circumferential linear motion actuators respectively triangulating between the circumferential pivot arms and circumferential legs, and between the counter-circumferential pivot arms and counter-circumferential legs, the linear motion actuators being adapted for alternatively upwardly retracting and downwardly extending the circumferential and counter-circumferential pivot arms; and circumferential and counter-circumferential ground contact assemblies which are adapted for, upon the circumferential and counter-circumferential pivot arms' downward extensions, downwardly biasing against a ground surface.

Abstract: A stabilizing apparatus for stabilizing a mobile irrigation tower of a pivot irrigation system includes a pair of outrigger arms which extend from opposite sides of the irrigation tower. The outrigger arms are able to move between an extended position and a retracted position. The distal ends of the out rigger arms present ground engaging elements adapted for low friction passage across a farm ground surface. When the outrigger arms are in the extended position, the ground engaging element of each arm is in contact with or at least in close proximity to the farm ground surface at a location which is spaced transversely away from the irrigation tower. If the outrigger arms are in the extended position and if the irrigation system is subjected to a high velocity wind, the ground engaging elements will engage the farm ground surface and resist overturning movement of the irrigation tower.

Abstract: In some implementations, a system obtains activity data for a sump pump associated with a property where the obtained activity data indicates a present operational status of the sump pump. The system obtains water level data associated with the property where the water level data indicates a level of water within the property, determines that the activity data indicates that the sump pump is operating and that the water level within the property satisfies a water level risk threshold, and, in response to the determination that the activity data indicates that the sump pump is operating and that the water level within the property satisfies a water level risk threshold, provides a notification that the property is at risk of suffering water damage.

Abstract: A lawn and garden sprayer system having a container and a spray wand fluidly connected to the container is provided. The spray wand includes a wand housing that has a slot formed in one side thereof that is configured to engage a lug formed on one side of the container for purposes of stowing the wand during shipping and when not in use. A communications card assembly is detachably connected between the container and spray wand during shipment and prior to its first use. The hose includes a coupler end that engaged a cap on the container and facilitates creation of a fluid circuit between the fluid contents in the container and the wand.

Abstract: A sprinkler tap connects optionally to either a fitting of underground piping or an existing sprinkler head of an automatic sprinkler system and includes a generally T-shaped body having a fluid flow passage extending between an open bottom end and a first output port at a top end. A second output port communicates with the fluid flow passage between the bottom end and the first output port. The first output port is adapted for receiving either a male or female sprinkler head nozzle or, alternatively, a plug. A quick connect fitting on the second output port allows for easy connection and disconnection of a hose. The opposite end of the hose may be attached to a portable sprinkler device, a hand held spray nozzle or other water dispensing device. The quick connect fitting has an internal stop valve that closes when the hose is disconnected from the device, thereby preventing wasteful discharge of water from the second output port.

Abstract: An in-line system of mini sprinklers comprising a tubular conduit having inner and outer surface areas, and fitted for the flow of pressurized liquids. This tubular conduit has one or more openings along its length, and at least one mini sprinkler unit embedded within the tubular conduit at each opening. Each mini sprinkler unit comprises a liquid distributing assembly and biasing means. As pressure within the tubular conduit increases, inward force exerted by the biasing means is overcome, and the liquid distributing assembly moves outward. As the liquid distributing assembly protrudes beyond the outer surface of the tubular conduit, liquid escapes and sprinkles onto the ground. As pressure is decreased within the tubular conduit, the biasing means force the liquid distributing assembly back to its original position.

Abstract: In an endoscope washer disinfector, a bath comprises a mounting plane on which an endoscope with a duct is mounted and a wall member. A connector has two ends consisting of one end located to penetrate through the wall member and to be secured watertightly to the wall member. The one end faces an opening of the duct of the endoscope mounted in the bath. The other end is connected to a fluid source storing fluid for washing and disinfecting the endoscope. A nozzle is movable in the connector along an inner passage thereof and moved toward the one end of the connector to protrude from the one end to realize a watertight and detachable connection with the opening of the duct. The fluid is supplied to the duct when the fluid is supplied from the fluid source.

Abstract: A chemical distribution system affixes flexible tubing (50) along exterior surfaces (52) of a dwelling (12) and along structures (16) external to the dwelling. The tubing is attached to the exterior surfaces with clamps (54) and exposed for maintenance. The clamps are form-fitted to the tubing. Spray nozzles (58) are inserted into the openings in the tubing for dispensing a chemical solution. The openings can be pre-formed or cut into solid tubing at during installation. A connector (42) has one end coupled to a hose for receiving the chemical solution and another end coupled to the tubing. The fixed distribution system provides for precise and even application of the chemical solution with minimal operator intervention.

Abstract: A watering system that has first and second upright supports, a plurality of bendable water conduits and substantially rigid water channels and a first spray head is disclosed. Each of the first and second upright supports have substantially laterally oriented brackets dimensioned to releasably hold objects having a first outer diameter, including the bendable water conduits and substantially rigid water channels. The substantially rigid water channels each have a central body and left and right hose barbs in fluid relationship to one another through the central body. The central body has an aperture dimensioned to receive and mechanically engage the insertion end of the first spray head. The first spray head has a spray jet with a first water flow rate. The system may further include second and third spray heads with second and third water flow rates each different from each other and the first water flow rate.

Abstract: One exemplary embodiment can be a sprayer for distributing at least one fluid in a vessel. The sprayer can include a first member having a first surface and a second surface forming at least one aperture there-through. Generally, the at least one aperture is skewed with respect to a substantially vertical axis passing through a center of the first member for distributing the at least one fluid in the vessel.

Abstract: A watering system that has first and second upright supports, a plurality of bendable water conduits and substantially rigid water channels and a first spray head is disclosed. Each of the first and second upright supports have substantially laterally oriented brackets dimensioned to releasably hold objects having a first outer diameter, including the bendable water conduits and substantially rigid water channels. The substantially rigid water channels each have a central body and left and right hose barbs in fluid relationship to one another through the central body. The central body has an aperture dimensioned to receive and mechanically engage the insertion end of the first spray head. The first spray head has a spray jet with a first water flow rate. The system may further include second and third spray heads with second and third water flow rates each different from each other and the first water flow rate.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for internally sealing live low pressure residential gas supply lines, including gas main tap and associated fittings, by applying sealant to the inside surface of the gas line. Sealing assemblies allow tapping and insertion of tools without gas escape to atmosphere, as well as application of sealant under gas pressure passed through a supply line which has the ability to rotate in order to feed itself through elbows and fittings to the point where sealing is required, as well as achieve uniform spray coverage of the target pipe's inner surface with sealant.

Abstract: A irrigation emitter device for delivering water to various points along a length of a hose. The irrigation emitter device includes a primary hose. The primary hose is elongate and has a first end and a second end. Each of a plurality of secondary hoses has a first end and a second end. Each of the first ends of the secondary hoses is fluidly coupled to the primary hose. Each of the secondary hoses is spaced from each other and has a length less than a length of the primary hose. A valve means selectively opens and closes the second end of the primary hose. The valve means is securely attached to the second end of the first hose. The valve means coupled to the second end of the primary hose has a threaded inner surface and defines a female coupler. A male coupling member is securely attached to the first end of the primary hose such that a plurality of primary hoses may selectively be fluidly coupled together.

Abstract: A flashing article for sealing out and draining away moisture from all types of stucco coated exterior wall surfaces, and for impeding the ingress of termites, rodents, and other animal infestation, having a generally flat sheet of a rigid material having a first section, a second section extending from and angled with respect to the first section, and a third section extending from and angled with respect to the second section, the third section having at least one aperture defined therein, and a hollow tube that passes through the aperture. A perforated conduit for distributing a pesticide or other fluid is carried by the second section and fastened to a conduit connector which extends through an aperture in the third section to provide access for injection of the pesticide.

Abstract: A spray shower apparatus reconfigurable and adjustable for watering flowers and other plants planted in beds. The apparatus comprises a kit enabling modular assembly and enclosed within a common enclosure. The principal component of the kit is a rigid liquid conduit having at least one threaded end and a plurality of orifices disposed on the lateral wall of the conduit. The conduit has a plurality of spray nozzles attachable to the orifices of the liquid conduit. Each spray nozzle is adjustable as to direction of spray relative to the liquid conduit. Other components of the kit include a connector for connecting the liquid conduit to an external source of liquid, brackets for securing the liquid conduit to a vertical environmental surface, and an end cap for closing the distal end of the liquid conduit. Preferably, components are provided in quantities enabling a plurality of liquid conduits to be arranged in series.

Abstract: A pop-up sprinkler assembly for installation within the ground and for manual connection from a position above ground with an above ground hose as a source of water pressure. The pop-up sprinkler assembly includes a housing structure having an annular opening and exterior suitable for installation within the ground in a fixed operative position. The housing structure has a inlet passageway communicating with the annular opening. A hose connector is in the passageway for connection to an above ground hose. A sprinkler head is mounted in the annular space that is generally at ground level when the sprinkler head is in a lower storage position. An annular seal is provided between the sprinkler head and the housing structure so that the communication of water pressure with the annular space results in water pressure-biased movement of the sprinkler head from the lower storage position to a raised operative position.

Abstract: A device for the automatic pulsating delivery of an irrigation liquid is described, connectable upstream to the liquid source of constant or substantially constant pressure and downstream to an open-circuit distribution network provided with pressure-sensitive secondary valves which in response to pressure change open or close to enable the irrigation liquid to emerge. An irrigation system is also described in which said device is connected to a distribution network comprising a plurality of valves sensitive to pressure change and each provided with a delivery nozzle.

Abstract: An improved method for installing lawn sprinkler systems wherein a flexible interconnection line is inserted between the sprinkler head and the water supply line. The flexible interconnection line is preformed having a bend at each end thereof, the bends being orthogonal to each other and to the axis of the interconnection here. This arrangement of bends at the end of a flexible section permits the flexible section to be maintained in close parallel relationship to the water supply line to minimize the width of the trench which must be dug for emplacement of the water supply line beneath the surface of the ground. The preformed interconnection line is also provided with preformed threads at the end so that threaded coupling may be readily made to the water supply line as well as the sprinkler head. This arrangement of threaded coupling permits ready replacement of parts should damage ever occur in the line.

Abstract: An apparatus for delivering a water mist to sunbathers comprising: a pair of pipe sections having perforations along the lengths thereof for mounting mist producing nozzles, a flexible hose connecting the pipes one to the other, and a valve at an inlet to the pipe assembly for controlling the flow of water through the pipes. A cap at one end of the apparatus seals the pipe assembly and causes water flowing into the pipes to be forced through the nozzles, thereby producing a fine mist. The flexible hose not only permits adjustment of the distance between the pipes to facilitate use by a number of sunbathers, but also enables the apparatus to be folded for transportation or storage.

Abstract: A sprinkler system employs an articulated riser for adjustable sprinkler head positioning. The system allows for positioning each sprinkler head to compensate for ground irregularities by adjusting the position of the riser. The riser may be supplied for field use in assembled condition for direct fixed connection to T joints on the water main without excess ground digging. This substantially reduces part count for field use and system installation time. The joints of the riser provide leakproof movable connections which allow for the position adjustments of the riser and connected head.

Abstract: A system for distributing fluids over a planar surface comprising a plurality of lengths of rigid perforate tubing and a plurality of fluid-tight articulated joints, each joint having an inlet port and a discharge port. The lengths of tubing and the joints are connected ad seriatim with joints interposed between adjacent lengths of tubing whereby the tubing can be arranged in accordance with the distribution pattern over a portion of the area. Each port of the fluid-tight joint communicates with a body element having a central bore and a peripheral flange. The flange of the inlet port mates with the flange of the discharge port so that the central bores fall into register with one another and the body elements of the respective ports communicate so that fluid introduced into the inlet port exits through the discharge port.

Abstract: A hollow hose has a series of preformed triangular units or sections in connected sequence, with one leg of each unit adapted to engage the ground when the hose is stretched to correspond to the length of the area to be sprinkled. The upwardly extending and downwardly extending legs of each unit or section have outwardly disposed holes, through which the liquid for sprinkling is discharged. For a shorter hose, the holes may be of the same diameter, but for longer hoses smaller holes at the inlet end and larger holes at the opposite end may be used, with intermediate size holes between for still longer hoses. Special stakes for holding the bottom legs at opposite ends to the ground may include an arcuate notch for engaging the corresponding hose portion and a stem alongside the notch for penetrating the ground.

Abstract: Apparatus for heating water in a reservoir, comprising a pipe system including at least one supply conduit, at least part of which pipe system is disposed in the vicinity of the surface of the water in the reservoir, means for supplying hot air through the supply conduit to the pipe system, a plurality of open-ended tubules of flexible material or hoses being secured in spaced relationship to the pipes of the pipe system, the open ends of which tubules or hoses are located under the water surface.

Abstract: An irrigation system of the type comprising a plurality of nozzles spaced along a pipeline fed at one end from a source of supply of irrigation liquid, which latter may be purely water or may be water with additives, in which in order to avoid different spray rates due to a loss in pressure along the pipeline each nozzle is provided with a valve and an associated resilient subsidiary reservoir, the valves operating to close off the nozzles while all the subsidiary reservoirs charge up to the line pressure and then, when a control valve diverts the source of supply to a discharge outlet all the nozzles receive liquid in the same pressure from their associated subsidiary reservoir; when the subsidiary reservoirs are all back at atmospheric pressure the cycle recommences.

Abstract: A tree treating system comprising a plurality of injector assemblies, each injector assembly comprising a pipe insertable in an opening in a tree, a female quick disconnect one way valve socket connected to the pipe as an outlet, and a male connector connected to the pipe as an inlet.