Abstract: Described are riser assemblies suitable for use with fluid dispensers. The assemblies include a container partially circumscribing a reservoir configured to contain a pressurized fluid, the container having a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet disposed therethrough. The assemblies may further include a signal processor situateable outside the container that is configured to receive a signal. The signal processor may be operatively connectable to a control valve that is operatively connectable to the fluid dispenser. The control valve may be configured to selectively control expulsion of the fluid through the fluid dispenser in response to the signal received by the signal processor. Embodiments of the riser assemblies include a utility conduit disposed at least partially within the reservoir and configured to enable secondary use of a resource from within the riser assembly and/or to accommodate transport and securing of the riser assemblies for use.

Abstract: A perforated subirrigation and drainage pipe includes a pipe body and a permeation irrigation inner pipe. The permeation irrigation inner pipe is integrally formed with the pipe body and disposed at a top of an interior of the pipe body along a longitudinal direction thereof; multiple irrigation perforations, distributed along a longitudinal direction of the permeation irrigation inner pipe, are provided on a pipe wall of a bottom thereof; and an opening is provided on a pipe wall of a bottom of the pipe body; two flow guide baffles are respectively located at two sides of the opening and on an inner wall of the pipe body; a first irrigation and drainage channel is formed between each flow guide baffle and an outer wall of the permeation irrigation inner pipe, between each flow guide baffle and the inner wall of the pipe body, and between the two flow guide baffles.

Abstract: Described herein is a method of controlling soil moisture, water accumulation and fertilizer distribution in land. Elevation location data for land areas are extracted from two or more pixels of a topographic image including topographic data. Each pixel represents a land area. Wetness indices for the land areas are determined from the elevation and location data, based on the slope between two or more defined areas of land and an upslope contributing area per unit contour length. At risk defined areas of land, e.g., those at risk of accumulating water are identified based on wetness indices. Water is transported from the at risk defined areas of land to another location. The transporting of water reduces the risk of accumulating water in the at risk defined areas of land and improves crop growth potential in those areas.

Abstract: Several embodiments provide wireless irrigation control and related methods. In one implementation, an irrigation control system includes a transmitter unit including a controller and a connector to be coupled to an irrigation controller having station actuation output connectors. The controller is can receive an indication that the irrigation controller has activated an irrigation station, and can cause the transmitter unit to transmit a wireless activation signal responsive to the indication. A receiver unit is coupled to an actuator coupled to an actuatable device, such as an irrigation valve, the actuator configured to actuate the irrigation valve to control the flow of water therethrough. The receiver unit receives the wireless activation signal and in response, causes the actuator to actuate the actuatable device.

Abstract: Described herein is a method of controlling soil moisture, water accumulation and fertilizer distribution in land. Elevation location data for land areas are extracted from two or more pixels of a topographic image including topographic data. Each pixel represents a land area. Wetness indices for the land areas are determined from the elevation and location data, based on the slope between two or more defined areas of land and an upslope contributing area per unit contour length. At risk defined areas of land, e.g., those at risk of accumulating water are identified based on wetness indices. Water is transported from the at risk defined areas of land to another location. The transporting of water reduces the risk of accumulating water in the at risk defined areas of land and improves crop growth potential in those areas.

Abstract: Several embodiments provide wireless irrigation control and related methods. In one implementation, an irrigation control system includes a transmitter unit including a controller and a connector to be coupled to an irrigation controller having station actuation output connectors. The controller is can receive an indication that the irrigation controller has activated an irrigation station, and can cause the transmitter unit to transmit a wireless activation signal responsive to the indication. A receiver unit is coupled to an actuator coupled to an actuatable device, such as an irrigation valve, the actuator configured to actuate the irrigation valve to control the flow of water therethrough. The receiver unit receives the wireless activation signal and in response, causes the actuator to actuate the actuatable device.

Abstract: Described herein is a method of controlling soil moisture, water accumulation and fertilizer distribution in land. Elevation location data for land areas are extracted from two or more pixels of a topographic image including topographic data. Each pixel represents a land area. Wetness indices for the land areas are determined from the elevation and location data, based on the slope between two or more defined areas of land and an upslope contributing area per unit contour length. At risk defined areas of land, e.g., those at risk of accumulating water are identified based on wetness indices. Water is transported from the at risk defined areas of land to another location. The transporting of water reduces the risk of accumulating water in the at risk defined areas of land and improves crop growth potential in those areas.

Abstract: A watering apparatus and associated methods and systems to enable networked gardening with a remotely controllable positioning extension are disclosed. In one embodiment, the watering apparatus includes a weather-resistant housing to encompass a micro-processor and a communications circuitry. In addition, the watering apparatus includes a weather-resistant camera communicatively coupled with the weather resistant housing through the communications circuitry. An input connector directs water through a partitioned channel from the weather-resistant housing responsive to a signal from the microprocessor through a pressure regulated valve. The watering apparatus is connected to a flexible extension coupled with the weather-resistant housing to automatically transport the water through the partitioned channel to a desired location within a central view of a focused angle of the weather-resistant camera.

Abstract: A system for deterring animals and humans from entering protected sprinkler zones. Motion sensors are placed in an area to be protected. Upon detection of a trespasser (e.g., animals or humans) within the protected area, the sensors produce a signal for activating sprinklers in the zone and/or other appropriate zones. The sensor output can be electrically connected to a step down transformer, which is connected to an appropriate sprinkler valve or to the sprinkler valve output at, for example, the sprinkler control box. The sprinkler valve can be activated and an appropriate sprinkler zone turned on to spray the trespasser with water. New or existing sprinkler systems can be utilized for varmint and/or intruder deterrent without utilizing complex electronics.

Abstract: A sprinkler system having a sprinkler assembly with at least one sprinkler head having a removable top coupled thereto by an attachment means. A female inlet removably couples the sprinkler head to a swing joint, which is buried below the sprinkler head and connects the sprinkler head to the irrigation feed. The removable top has a plurality of openings for exporting water from the irrigation feed outwardly therefrom. A top surface of the sprinkler head includes crushed stone for stabilizing the sprinkler assembly. The sprinkler system further includes a control system in electronic communication with a valve and control box connected to the sprinkler assembly.

Abstract: The Smart Irrigation Assistant (SIA) adaptor works in conjunction with an existing standard sprinkler timer to automatically modify the amount of water that is delivered to each zone based on the relative humidity. Provisions are also made for having the water delivered in intervals within the maximum time set on the standard sprinkler timer. This allows time for the water to soak into the ground before the remainder of the water allocated for that zone is applied. The SIA is powered from the existing standard sprinkler timer. It is connected to each of the wires that control the irrigating valves and it is connected in series with the common (ground) wire that goes to all valves. The SIA breaks the connection on the common circuit to the valves in order to stop the flow of water to the active zone.

Abstract: A soil moisture based irrigation system includes a stand alone irrigation controller with a seasonal adjust feature and a stand alone weather station including at least one soil moisture sensor. The soil moisture based irrigation system further includes a stand alone soil moisture control unit operatively connected to the irrigation controller and the soil moisture sensor. The soil moisture control unit includes programming configured to calculate an estimated soil moisture requirement value using a signal from the soil moisture sensor and to automatically modify a watering schedule of the irrigation controller through the seasonal adjust feature based on the estimated soil moisture requirement value to thereby conserve water while maintaining plant health.

Abstract: Several embodiments provide wireless extensions to an irrigation controller system and related methods of use, as well as other improvements to irrigation control equipment. In one implementation, an irrigation control system includes a transmitter unit including a controller and having a connector to be coupled to an irrigation controller having station actuation output connectors. The controller is configured to receive an indication that the irrigation controller has activated an irrigation station, and is also configured to cause the transmitter unit to transmit a wireless activation signal responsive to the indication. A receiver unit is coupled to an actuator coupled to an actuatable device, such as an irrigation valve, the actuator configured to actuate the irrigation valve to control the flow of water therethrough. The receiver unit receives the wireless activation signal and in response, causes the actuator to actuate the actuatable device.

Abstract: A method for detecting a breach in an irrigation line (32) of an irrigation system (10) includes comparing a fluid condition at a first point along the irrigation line (32) with the fluid condition at a second point located at an irrigation unit (20) to determine whether a disparity of at least a predetermined percentage in the fluid conditions exists. The fluid condition can include a measurement of irrigation fluid pressure, quantity of irrigation fluid (19), rate of flow of the irrigation fluid (19), voltage and/or electrical current through the irrigation fluid (19). The method can include selectively monitoring the fluid condition at the irrigation unit (20) over time using a main control system (22). In another embodiment, the method includes comparing the fluid condition at the first point along the irrigation line (32) with the fluid condition at each of a plurality of second points.

Abstract: An advanced landscape irrigation control system that integrates a soil moisture probe with a timer-based controller which can be used to directly control a single irrigation zone without need for a separate timer-based controller. The invention is equally capable of being installed as a soil moisture sensor that operates under the control of a traditional timer-based controller. The moisture probe and system disclosed in this invention is fully buried in the soil and electrically connected to the water solenoid-valve(s), measuring temperature and soil moisture content using a capacitive-based probe in determining water solenoid-valve(s) operation. The device has no user settings and requires no calibration, including determining optimal soil moisture content by a unique method of recognizing soil signatures, or the unique electrical response of soils to water.

Abstract: Several embodiments provide wireless extensions to an irrigation controller system and related methods of use, as well as other improvements to irrigation control equipment. In one implementation, an irrigation control system includes a transmitter unit including a controller and having a connector to be coupled to an irrigation controller having station actuation output connectors. The controller is configured to receive an indication that the irrigation controller has activated an irrigation station, and is also configured to cause the transmitter unit to transmit a wireless activation signal responsive to the indication. A receiver unit is coupled to an actuator coupled to an actuatable device, such as an irrigation valve, the actuator configured to actuate the irrigation valve to control the flow of water therethrough. The receiver unit receives the wireless activation signal and in response, causes the actuator to actuate the actuatable device.

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 a memory storing historical values of a plurality of variables used at least in part in calculating plant water requirements, and at least one input adapted to receive signals corresponding to current values of one or more of the plurality of variables. The unit also comprises a processor coupled to the at least one input and the memory, the processor adapted to determine the plant water requirements at least in part using, for each of the plurality of variables, a current value in the event the current value is available and at least in part using, for each of the plurality of variables, a stored historical value in the event the current value is not available.

Abstract: A technique for controlling an irrigation system is disclosed. The technique comprises receiving landscape information, receiving environmental information, deriving an irrigation schedule based on the landscape information and the environmental information, and sending the irrigation schedule to an irrigation control unit.

Abstract: An absolute moisture sensor is coupled to a controller circuit with the combination being integrated into a single device as a moisture-activated switch. The resultant switch is coupled in series with a power control line of a moisture-controlling device and can be placed within the medium for which moisture is to be controlled. In one typical use, the switch is buried in soil for control of valves that supply irrigation water. Since the moisture sensor is selected to provide an absolute reading of moisture, the switch programs itself when power from an external source is first applied. A communication protocol provides for readout of sensor values and allows for a remote reset of the controller.

Abstract: The present invention provides an automated insect control system. The system utilizes a container tank, a canned pump, distribution system, and a programmable digital timer to allow a user to control the times per day and the duration in which to apply insecticide to an area. A remote control is provided which permits a user to commence and terminate spraying of insecticide as the need arises without resorting to reprogramming of the spraying schedule.

Abstract: An irrigation control valve has two movable members that can independently or in combination block the flow of water in a conduit, or be fully retracted of at some point in-between. A moisture sensitive element is arranged to be placed in contact with the soil and expands or retracts dependent on the moisture within soil adjacent the moisture sensitive element. The moisture sensitive element is connected or coupled to a moisture controlled member. Dependent on the moisture of the soil adjacent the moisture sensitive element, the moisture controlled member is moved further into the conduit with increasing moisture in the soil. The moisture controlled member and an electronically controlled member are located adjacent each other at the conduit. The electronically controlled member determines how far the moisture controlled member needs to move in order to fully block the flow of water in the conduit.

Abstract: A collector ring for use with a center pivot irrigation system which permits the mounting of a communication device above the span structure. The collector ring also includes a monitoring device which senses the angle or rotation of the span structure with respect to the fixed center pivot structure.

Abstract: A low cost system and method for retrofitting an existing control device to communicate wirelessly with one or more water-flow devices is provided. For example, an existing wired irrigation system may be adapted to allow wireless communication between a commercially available irrigation controller and commercially available water-flow devices, such as sprinkler valves. A wireless irrigation adapter receives control signals from an existing irrigation controller and transmits a wireless representation of the control signals. Water-flow devices may be coupled to one or more wireless receivers that receive the wireless representation of the control signals and operate the water-flow device(s) accordingly. The wireless irrigation receiver(s) listen(s) for the wireless control signals occasionally, thus reducing power consumption by the wireless receiver(s). This system and method may also wirelessly adapt control devices to irrigation that may never have been intended for that purpose when they were fabricated.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and components thereof for intelligently watering an environment. The system comprises at least one sensor for monitoring particular environmental conditions, and at least one electrically powered valve that receives wireless information signals from the sensor and controls a watering device based on the signals. Power control units repeatedly toggle the sensor and valve between powered and unpowered states to conserve energy. The power control units are configured so that the powered states of the sensor and valve overlap in time to make it possible for the valve to receive the wireless information signals from the sensor.

Abstract: An automatic irrigation system having a simplified structure can intermittently supply water (and liquid fertilizer) required by farmer products under water saving conditions depending on the weather condition of the day independent of the size of an irrigation area. Water from a water source is pumped by a motor pump driven with electric power generated by a solar panel and stored in a storage tank. When a predetermined amount of water is stored in the tank, a water draining device continuously drains the stored water. This cycle is repeated in proportion to an amount of solar radiation incident on the solar panel. The water is then guided to the irrigation area with a tube irrigation system.

Abstract: A water irrigation system may include a computer system, a sensing unit, an irrigation controller, and/or a water delivery system. The sensing unit may include a moisture gauge. The moisture gauge may include a capacitor coupled to a collector. The sensing unit may assess an amount of moisture in the collector and provide output that is a function of the amount of moisture in the collector to the computer system. The computer system may control irrigation of a zone to be irrigated at least partially based on the assessed amount of moisture in the collector. A method of controlling irrigation may include assessing an amount of moisture in a collector near or in a zone to be irrigated and controlling irrigation at least partially based on the assessed amount of moisture in the collector.

Abstract: The present invention provides an automated insect control system. The system utilizes a container tank, a canned pump, distribution system, and a programmable digital timer to allow a user to control the times per day and the duration in which to apply insecticide to an area. A remote control is provided which permits a user to commence and terminate spraying of insecticide as the need arises without resorting to reprogramming of the spraying schedule.

Abstract: Irrigation systems, moisture sensors and related methods having a sensor embedded in the ground to sense moisture and help control watering. The sensor is responsive to capacitance changes from ground moisture variations. The sensor uses spaced insulated electrodes which are mounted within a granular filled chamber within a water-permeable shell. The sensor is mounted as part of a ground unit that also includes a high frequency driver that excites the sensor. The ground unit further has a detector circuit which produces a moisture indicating signal based on the capacitance which varies with ground moisture. Also disclosed are controllers that electrically isolate the ground units so that reliable moisture signals can be obtained and used to control irrigation. The controllers can be configured to provide multiple zone operation using a shared controller having shared or independent moisture adjusters.

Abstract: A sprinkler circuit responds to the presence of water and limits watering accordingly. The sprinkler circuit comprises a control circuit and a moisture responsive circuit. The control circuit may be wired in series to a sprinkler cable at any point between a sprinkler controller (e.g., timer) and a sprinkler valve, and is powered by a valve signal sent from the sprinkler controller to the valve. The moisture responsive circuit includes two pairs of electrodes wired in series and residing at different depths. When resistance across both pairs of electrodes drops sufficiently, a relay in the control circuit opens and interrupts the valve signal to the valve.

Abstract: A controlled irrigation system can include a control device for determining whether to irrigate soil and at least one irrigation structure having an actuator for controlling water flow. The actuator can be communicably coupled to the control device for delivering water to irrigate a region. The controlled irrigation system further can include at least one time domain reflectometry sensor (“TDRS”) located in the soil and communicably coupled to the control device for measuring soil moisture where the control device determines whether to irrigate the soil based on data from the at least one TDRS. Additionally, a method for controlling an irrigation system can include providing multiple TDRS's having probes, distributing each TDRS at a different soil depth, measuring soil moisture content, and irrigating soil based on the measuring step.

Abstract: The present invention provides an irrigation control system in which a device (irrigation scheduler) automatically modifies irrigation schedules of installed irrigation controllers to affect irrigating of the landscape based on the water requirements of the landscape plants and comprises: providing an irrigation controller programmed to execute irrigations on watering days by closing an electrical circuit connecting the controller and at least one irrigation valve; providing an irrigation scheduler programmed to execute irrigations on substantially equivalent watering days as the irrigation controller; and the irrigation scheduler selectively interrupting the electrical circuit to control the execution of irrigations on watering days. Preferably the microprocessor uses either an ETo value or weather data used in calculating the ETo value to at least partially derive the improved irrigation schedule.

Abstract: An irrigation scheduler modifies output of a preprogrammed irrigation schedule of an installed irrigation controller to at least partially improve irrigation of the corresponding landscape. Preferred embodiments accomplish this task using a microprocessor programmed to: (a) derive a first set of information from the output of an irrigation controller used to control an operation of an irrigation valve; (b) receive a second set of information comprising at least one of an environmental factor and a meteorological factor; and (c) use the first set of information and the second set of information to interfere with reception of the output by the valve.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods in which an irrigation controller uses a regression model to estimate an evapotranspiration rate (estimated ETo), and uses the estimated ETo to affect an irrigation schedule executed by the controller. The regression model is preferably based upon a comparison of historical ETo values against corresponding historical environmental values, with the data advantageously spanning a time period of at least one month, and more preferably at least two months. Data for multiple environmental factors may also be used. The environmental factor(s) utilized may advantageously comprise one or more of temperature, solar radiation, wind speed, humidity, barometric pressure, and soil moisture. Values relating the environmental factor(s) may enter the controller from a local sensor, a distal signal source, or both.

Abstract: A control system is disclosed for an agricultural implement, such as an agricultural sprayer, used to dispense a product to the ground wherein the dispensing units for the product are provided with control valves that can reduce the flow rate of product through selected dispensing units to zero. By controlling the rate of flow through the dispensing units, overlap of the application of the product to the ground can be substantially eliminated. In alternative embodiments of the invention, the control mechanism can receive data from a remote source, such as a central controller or another implement operating in the field, to define where the product needs to be applied to the ground. The application of the product can also be controlled through or in conjunction with a prescription map.

Abstract: Water content in a soil is determined by measuring the attenuation of secondary background cosmic radiation as this radiation propagates through a layer of soil and water. By measuring the attenuation of secondary cosmic radiation in the range of 5 MeV-15 MeV it is possible to obtain a relative measure of the water content in a soil layer above a suitable radiation detector and thus establish when and how much irrigation is needed. The electronic circuitry is designed so that a battery pack can be used to supply power.

Abstract: The automatic semi-conductor condensate flower watering device consists of a condensate part, a heat radiating part and a soil moisture control part, in which the said condensing part is composed of a semi-conductor cooling block with a refrigerating and heat-conducting base plate and a heat radiating and conducting base plate attached to both of its sides. On the said refrigerating and heat conducting base plate is installed the condensing fins and on the heat radiating and conducting base plate is installed the heat radiating fins. The said heat radiating part includes radiating fins and an outlet channel that is formed by the radiating fins. The gap between the said condensing fins is less or equal to 1.5 mm. On the refrigerating and heat conducting base plate is installed a water wiper.

Abstract: An irrigation controller in one embodiment comprising a microprocessor for controlling a plurality of watering zones of an irrigation system, a keyboard for enabling an inputting of commands relating to watering programs, a display for displaying information relating to watering programs, and an EEPROM for retaining information relating to watering programs and an on/off status variable even during extended periods without power. The irrigation controller may employ the EEPROM to retain a germinate watering program wherein everyday watering is triggered automatically and a multiplicity of watering start times can be selected. The irrigation controller may employ an analog precision rectifier for detecting how many valves are operational in a given watering zone, and the irrigation controller may also automatically adjust a maximum allowable current in response to how many valves are operational in a given watering zone.

Abstract: A device which is neural networked with other such devices to control the irrigation of various irrigation zones. Each neural networked irrigation controller commences irrigation for its zone, provided sufficient water is available, either when a preselected period of time arrives or sensed zonal conditions so dictate. The determination of adequacy of water in the source forms the basis for neural networking. Each controller senses water level or pressure in the source and has its own initial water threshold value—a level or pressure at which irrigation will be permitted to commence. Optionally, each controller may have its own terminal water threshold value—a level or pressure which must be maintained in order for irrigation of the zone to continue. Thus, the controllers communicate hydraulically with one another.

Abstract: Solar powered programmable valves and methods of programming and operation thereof are disclosed. A controller for the valves is provided having one or more solar cells for charging a large capacitor or capacitors upon illumination, which provide energy storage for the continuous powering of a very low current single chip computer controller and for providing actuating power to a latching solenoid of a pilot operated valve. The valve is connected to one or more toggle valves in a serial fashion for controlling one or more devices, allowing a single controller to provide water to more than one zone. Programming of the microcontroller to cause the valve to operate at subsequent times as desired is accomplished by magnetically actuating, through the sealed controller case, “yes” and “no” read switches in response to simple prompts presented on a display.

Abstract: An electronic control unit for the control of automatic watering systems having plural lines comprising an electronic circuit with a programmable processing unit for the control of a plurality of different watering lines. A manually operated selector, preferably of the rotary type, is provided, that is settable in a plurality of selectionable positions, to each one of which a specific watering cycle for the lines corresponds. By acting on the selector and on a start button, it is possible to modify the programming of the processing unit in order to associate with each single line a respective watering cycle different from the ones otherwise selectable by means of the selector.

Abstract: An irrigation controller modifies sophisticated irrigation protocols using an extremely simple user control. In one aspect of a particularly preferred class of embodiments, the user control includes a simple “more/less” (increase/decrease) adjustment In another aspect of preferred embodiments, the controller automatically determines appropriate irrigation amounts, start times, durations, and frequencies. Such automatic determination may advantageously be based in part on the more/less adjustment, and in part on an external signal, such as that transmitted by a radio transmitter.

Abstract: An irrigation controller modifies sophisticated irrigation protocols using an extremely simple user control. In one aspect of a particularly preferred class of embodiments, the user control includes a simple "more/less" (increase/decrease) adjustment. In another aspect of preferred embodiments, the controller automatically determines appropriate irrigation amounts, start times, durations, and frequencies. Such automatic determination may advantageously be based in part on the more/less adjustment, and in part on an external signal, such as that transmitted by a radio transmitter.

Abstract: An irrigation control system for land includes a weather station to measure one or more weather conditions in a first area; means to measure rainfall in a sub-area of the first area; and a computer connected directly or indirectly to the weather station and rainfall-measuring means. The computer is adapted to monitor the measurements of the weather station and rainfall-measuring means, to calculate a moisture content value for the sub-area from the measurements and a predetermined moisture loss for the sub-area, and to regulate irrigation of the sub-area.

Abstract: Method of controlling the operation of an irrigation system for irrigating an area of land or other terrain. The method comprising the steps of monitoring a condition of the material of the land by a sensor located below the surface thereof, and controlling irrigation structure for irrigating the land area in response to the monitored condition of the material thereof and disturbing the material of the land in the vicinity of the sensor to maintain the material in operational monitoring contact with the sensor.

Abstract: A portable control system for use with conventional sprinklers including a portable housing. Further included is a plurality of interconnections positioned within the housing for allowing interconnection between an inflow hose and a plurality of outflow hoses. A plurality of valves is connected to the interconnection for allowing the passage of fluid upon the activation thereof. A control panel is situated within the housing and connected to the valves. The control panel is connected to a rain level detector and is adapted to allow selective actuation and deactivation of each valve mechanism at a designated time as a function of the amount of rain received by the rain level detector. A fertilizer mechanism is connected to the interconnections for allowing the supply of fertilizer to the fluid passing between the garden inflow hose and the garden outflow hoses.

Abstract: A sensing device includes a pair of sensing electrodes disposed within a medium and a circuit connected to the sensing electrodes via impedance matching networks for producing an output signal which varies in response to a capacitive change in the medium. The circuit includes a first circuit portion including the sensing electrodes and a second circuit portion including the oscillator. The first and second circuit portions are tuned to match their impedance for more accurately measuring the capacitive changes.

Abstract: A method of retrofitting existing irrigation systems is disclosed. An irrigation system having a control circuit of water supply and a plurality of valve assemblies including communication with the water supply is provided. The control circuit has a centralized controller, a plurality of independent valve control lines extending between the controller and each of the valve assemblies and a return line extending from each of the valve assemblies to the controller. According to the method, a terminal strip is installed within the controller and connects each of the valve control lines together, wherein each valve control line receives the same signal from the controller. An encoder is installed within the controller and a decoder is installed in series with each valve assembly.

Abstract: An auxiliary sprinkler system control unit that interrupts a sprinkler system when ambient temperature is below thirty six degrees and when wind velocity is above ten miles per hour and when one half inch of water has been measured and delays the sprinkler for one day when in each month a daily running total of water addition is greater than a daily running total of an expected evapotranspiration or soil evaporation and plant transpiration rate as published for a specific area; said unit thereby providing a minimum amount of water to keep a healthy but slow growing turf.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an irrigation assembly for potted plants including a housing for containing batteries and a motor therein with a drain hole formed on one side of the housing. A water pump extends from the bottom of the housing to extend into a container for pumping the water into the housing through a water conduit and discharging the water from the drain hole. A water outlet device is connected to the drain hole of the housing through a water discharge pipe. A control circuit PCB has two rotary switches for setting a fixed-humidity mode or a fixed-amount mode and a control circuit for controlling the electrical conduction opportunity of the motor formed thereon. A humidity sensing rod is connected to the housing by electric wires and is formed in a long strip with a plurality of electrode contacts being formed thereon, and being directly inserted into the soil of the potted plants.

Abstract: An apparatus for soil irrigation control comprising a control unit, a soil probe, and a temperature probe. The function of the invention is to provide day-to-day soil moisture measurement and control of the irrigation system it is attached to, usually a timer operated system. During operation, the control circuitry periodically measures the apparent electrical resistance between the two electrodes of the soil probe. A signal related to the measured resistance is then compared to a reference set by the user and functions to close or open an electrical switch that ultimately controls the application of irrigation water. The apparatus has a temperature sensor to compensate for effects upon the moisture sensor due to changes in soil temperature, and to also suspend irrigation when freezing conditions are pending. The apparatus also detects the presence of a external timer signal and sustains irrigation through completion of the timer cycle even though the moisture sensor may become wetted during the cycle.