Abstract: A sprinkler unit for distributing water from a source over an area of terrain comprises a tubular housing having an inlet connected by a passage to an outlet, a distributor head mounted at the outlet for rotation about an axis for distribution of water via a nozzle, a turbine wheel disposed in the housing passage and operatively connected for driving the distributor head, and a turbine stator assembly having a passage including a throttling device for controllably directing a first portion of water to the turbine wheel, and a pressure responsive valve for controllably diverting a second portion of the water around the turbine wheel in proportion to the pressure thereof for maintaining the speed of the turbine substantially constant.

Abstract: A swing connector assembly for connecting a sprinkler unit to a supply line includes an elongated conduit having a pair of swivel elbows connected to it by barbed fittings at each end thereof providing for three degrees of orthogonal rotation for enabling unlimited positioning of the sprinkler unit within the length of the conduit.

Abstract: A sprinkler nozzle for distributing water from a source over an area of terrain comprising a body defining a passage having an inlet section connected by a curve to an outlet section extending at an angle to the inlet section, and a vent port in the passageway at the inside of the curve communicating with an annular chamber surrounding the inlet section for enhancing the reach of the nozzle.

Abstract: A plurality of selectively actuable watering stations are spaced about a selected location such as a lawn and/or garden and are connected to a source of pressurized water. A set of data is stored representing environmental conditions of the selected location, said conditions being selected from the group consisting of evapotranspiration rates for predetermined intervals throughout a given time period, and temperature precipitation rates for predetermined intervals throughout a given time period. Another set of data is provided from at least one input device at the selected location, the input device being selected from the group consisting of a temperature sensor, a rain gauge, a hummidity sensor, and a flow meter. Each watering station is actuated for predetermined durations at predetermined intervals based upon the data representing environmental conditions and the input device data to thereby ensure optimum growth of the plants situated in the selected location.

Abstract: A modular assembly line apparatus for automatically assembling multiple component devices, such as sprinkler units and the like, includes a central support table including upper and lower reference rails for mounting assembly fixtures and mechanisms, high and low pressure air manifolds built into the table, a conveyor for continuously moving support pallets along the table, and multiple independent work stations with pallet stop and support fixtures responsive to indicators on the pallets for selectively stopping and supporting work pieces for programmed work or assembly functions.

Abstract: A modular assembly line apparatus for automatically assembling multiple component devices, such as sprinkler units and the like, includes a central support table including upper and lower reference rails for mounting assembly fixtures and mechanisms, high and low pressure air manifolds built into the table, a conveyer for continuously moving support pallets along the table, and multiple station pallet stop and support fixtures for selectively stopping and supporting work pieces for assembly functions.