Abstract: An irrigation system that controls the amount of water to be applied based upon specific historical meteorological data including relative humidity, evapotranspiration data, and precipitation. The invention is also of a method for determining the optimal time of day to measure actual relative humidity, and for setting the relative humidity set-point.

Abstract: A liquid suspension distribution system is provided which is essentially a conventional center pivot irrigation system, but which has the innermost sprinkler guns sequenced by way of a programmable logic control. The innermost sprinkler guns are sequenced on and off by the programmable logic controller so that an even distribution of the liquid manure or the like is achieved on the field.

Abstract: An irrigation system is disclosed which includes a center pivot support having an elongated main water boom pivotally connected thereto which extends outwardly therefrom. An elongated extension boom is pivotally connected at its inner end to the outer end of the main boom and is supported by a steerable drive tower. A corner arm sensor is provided for sensing the angle of the extension boom with respect to the main boom. A plurality of sprinklers are positioned on the extension boom along the length thereof and are controlled by a computer which is programmed with a table of sprinkler sequences. The computer calculates the areas being covered by the extension boom as the system is moved through the field and determines the best sprinkler sequence for the sprinkler on the extension boom.

Abstract: An irrigation system includes a water tower connecting with a water storage tank, a lift device mounted on the bottom of the water storage tank for lifting/lowering it, a first suction pipe having a first end portion connecting to the water storage tank, a discharge pipe having a first end portion connecting to the second end portion of the first suction pipe, a first motor controlled valve mounted on the first suction pipe for opening/closing the connection between the first suction pipe and the discharge pipe, a sprinkler head mounted on and connecting to the second end portion of the discharge pipe, a second suction pipe having a first end portion connecting to the water tower and a second end portion connecting the first end portion of the discharge pipe, and a second motor controlled valve mounted on the second suction pipe for opening/closing the connection between the second suction pipe and the discharge pipe.

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: A radio controlled sprinkler control system including at least one transmitter unit with a housing. Each housing has at least one moisture sensor with a cylindrical configuration having a top end coupled to a bottom face of the housing and a bottom end with a conical shape for allowing the moisture sensor to be inserted within the ground. The moisture sensor is adapted to generate a moisture signal representative of the moisture level of the ground in which it is inserted. Each transmitter unit further includes a radio transmitter connected to the moisture sensors for transmitting an activation signal upon the receipt of a moisture signal which is representative of a moisture level below a predetermined amount. Further provided are a plurality of sprinklers adapted to be actuated only upon the receipt of the activation signal by an associated radio receiver.

Abstract: A portable knockdown above ground watering system and method for establishing a new lawn is provided. The system includes a compact water manifold structure comprising a manifold housing having a water inlet in fluid communication with a plurality of water outlets. A plurality of solenoid actuated valves are connected adjacent to and in fluid communication with each of the water outlets. The solenoid actuated valves being electrically connected to a control cable plug. An inlet hose connector is connected in fluid communication with the water inlet for removable connection to an inlet hose. A plurality of sprinkler heads are connected in fluid communication to the manifold structure with removably connected outlet hoses. A flexible waterproof control cable is provided. The control cable is removably connected between the control cable plug and a timer assembly which is used for electronically regulating the solenoid actuated valves for operation of the sprinkler heads.

Abstract: An irrigation system for controlling a number of control valves (104) is disclosed. The valves (104) control the flow of water in a corresponding branch pipe (102) leading from a common supply pipe (101). The system uses wireless transmission of control signals to operate a control unit (115) which operates the corresponding control valve (104) from a corresponding power generator (107). The control signal is encoded by an encoder (118) according to predetermined conditions and is decoded by each of the control units (115), the coded signal being received by each control unit (115) and the specified control unit (115) operating only.

Abstract: The invention herein described relates to devices used to test the integrity of fire sprinkler systems. The present device incorporates a control panel which allows a single operator to electrically activate a test valve within a specific sprinkler network. The interval between the initiation of water flow and the resulting alarm signal is timed by the operator using the control panel. The operator can test any of the building's sprinkler networks simply by adjusting a rotary switch located on the control panel. In this manner, the time and expense associated with sprinkler testing may be greatly reduced by having a single operator perform dependable tests of the entire automatic sprinkler system from one location.

Abstract: An automatic volume controlled sequential irrigation system and automatic volume controlled irrigation valve therefor includes an inlet port connectable to a source of pressurized water, a discharge port, a bypass port, a valve in the discharge port movable between an open position and a closed position and a valve in the bypass port movable between a closed position and an opened position. The irrigation valve also includes a mechanism for selecting a predetermined volume of water to be discharged from the discharge port which measures the volume of water discharged from the discharge. When a predetermined volume of water has passed through the discharge port, the discharge valve moves from the open position to the closed position and the bypass valve moves from the closed position to the open position.

Abstract: An irrigation system for controlling the operation of a number of control valves each of which controls the flow of water in a corresponding branch pipe leading from a common supply pipe. The system comprises a pair of control lines which extend along the supply pipe and branch pipes to carry a control signal to operate a control unit which operates a corresponding control valve using a low voltage power supply. The control signal is coded by a data generator according to predetermined conditions and is decoded by each of the control units, the coded signal being received at each control unit, and the specified control unit operating only.

Abstract: An automatic irrigation system in which a plurality of zones of a ground area are periodically watered for a predetermined time in a predetermined sequence. Located within each zone is a ground moisture sensor that overrides the automatic irrigation system and prevents watering if the sensed ground moisture is at or above a chosen value. Apparatus is provided which, from a central location, can bypass the automatic irrigation system and the ground sensors. A central transmitter coupled to a plurality of remote receivers enables simultaneous or sequential watering of all zones by actuating the remotely located valves regardless of the sensed ground moisture level.

Abstract: An automatic self contained internal combustion engine fire pump controller for testing and operating an internal combustion engine coupled to a water pump for maintaining water pressure in a sprinkler system. The sprinkler system includes a deluge valve for reducing the water pressure, and the engine has a starter motor, a starter solenoid connected to the battery, and a separate fuel supply. A housing contains the controller, and includes a selector switch having at least a manual run position, and an automatic run position. A fuel valve controls the fuel supply to the internal combustion engine. A pressure transducer senses the fluid pressure of the sprinkler system and has its input connected to the central processing unit. A central processing unit is responsive to the automatic position of the switch and is coupled to the fuel valve, the deluge valve and the pressure transducer means.

Abstract: A resistive controller suitable for sensing a variable electrical resistance indicative of a characteristic of a substance and for connecting an external electrical device to a source of electrical power when the measured electrical resistance reaches a predetermined level. The resistive controller includes a timer circuit which is activated when the measured electrical resistance reaches the predetermined value and which, in one embodiment, provides an adjustable time period, upon the expiration of which, the external electrical device is disconnected from the source of electrical power. In another embodiment, the timer circuit provides an adjustable time period, upon the expiration of which, the external electrical device is connected to the source of electrical power.

Abstract: An irrigation system and method is disclosed having a water supply source for providing water under pressure to a plurality of dispensing devices located at spaced locations. The irrigation system and method comprises a distribution conduit grid in fluid communication with the water supply source and defining a closed conduit loop, thereby providing water flow upon demand within the distribution conduit in more than one direction. The distribution conduit grid is composed of arterial members formed in a closed conduit loop for supplying water to a plurality of dispensing conduit members, each dispensing conduit member having its ends interconnected between two spaced locations on the arterial conduit members, thereby providing water flow into the dispensing conduit members from more than one direction. The dispensing devices are mounted on the dispensing conduit members in water supply relation. The dispensing devices are operated between open and closed positions by a water operated pilot valve.

Abstract: Trees, such as fruit bearing trees in drought-stricken areas, are individually watered to conserve the water supply while saving the valuable trees. A radially slotted tub-like irrigator engages around the tree trunk and delivers water in a controlled manner to both the tap roots and the peripheral root network of the tree. No water is wasted and the time span for irrigation can be adjusted. The device is characterized by simplicity and economy of manufacturing and ease of installation.