Abstract: A valve box platform is disclosed. The valve box platform may include a peripheral wall having a receiving surface for receiving a valve box. A first recess may be positioned within the peripheral wall. The first recess may include a knockout portion selectively disclosed therein. The peripheral wall may also include a U-shaped recess having a rounded receiving portion with the U-shaped recess being aligned with the first recess.

Abstract: A valve box platform is disclosed. The valve box platform may include a peripheral wall having a receiving surface for receiving a valve box. The receiving surface may have an elevated peripheral surface that extends around an outer periphery of the receiving surface and a recessed peripheral surface that extends around an inner periphery of the receiving surface. A knockout portion may be positioned within the peripheral wall. The knockout portion may have a protruding portion that comprises a portion of the elevated peripheral surface of the peripheral wall. The peripheral wall may include a U-shaped recess having a rounded receiving portion, the U-shaped recess being aligned with the knockout portion.

Abstract: A coupling for attachment to a conduit having an insertion end is disclosed. An outer surface of the insertion end of the conduit may be smooth and free of grooves, flanges and beads. A first member defines a first passageway. A second member defines a second passageway. The first member may be in spin weld engagement with the second member. A gripping ring having an inner edge defining a series of teeth may be disposed within the second member. A support ring and O-ring may also be disposed within the second member.

Abstract: A sprinkler controller includes a central portion and a peripheral switch being moveable in an arcuate path relative to the central portion. The peripheral switch may be a peripheral dial that can be rotated about the central portion. The dial may be rotated to select a particular mode of the sprinkler controller. A display screen is positioned on the central portion. At least two controls are also positioned on the central portion. When a mode is selected by using the peripheral dial, the user may then employ the controls (and the display on the screen) to modify the settings for the sprinkler controller. A method of using the sprinkler controller is also disclosed.

Abstract: A modular sprinkler controller is disclosed. The modular sprinkler controller includes a base unit and one or more add-on modules. The base unit and each add-on module include valve terminals for communicating with coupled sprinkler valves. The base unit includes one or more communication connection points for communicating with adjacent add-on modules. Each add-on module may include two connection points for communication with an adjacent base unit or add-on module. In one embodiment, the base unit and add-on modules are arranged in a piggyback configuration. An add-on module for use with a base unit is also disclosed.

Abstract: An improved saddle tee for branching a conduit from a main line is disclosed. The saddle tee includes a base unit that defines an opening for receiving a tap and interlocking jaws for securing the base unit to a main line. The tap may include a shaped portion for receiving a tool interface to rotate the tap to drive the tap into the main line. The tool interface could be secured to a power tool to enable rapid driving of the saddle tee into the main line. The saddle tee may also include offset arcuate interlocking jaws to enable the jaws to interlock around the main line with ease. Optional interface surfaces on the tap and base unit enable the tap and base unit to interlock to limit rotation of the tap relative to the base unit when the tap is fully inserted into the base unit.

Abstract: A valve box platform is disclosed. The valve box platform may include a peripheral wall having a receiving surface for receiving a valve box. The receiving surface may have an elevated peripheral surface that extends around an outer periphery of the receiving surface and a recessed peripheral surface that extends around an inner periphery of the receiving surface. A knockout portion may be positioned within the peripheral wall. The knockout portion may have a protruding portion that comprises a portion of the elevated peripheral surface of the peripheral wall. The peripheral wall may include a U-shaped recess having a rounded receiving portion, the U-shaped recess being aligned with the knockout portion.

Abstract: An improved saddle tee for branching a conduit from a main line is disclosed. The saddle tee includes a base unit that defines an opening for receiving a tap and interlocking jaws for securing the base unit to a main line. The tap may include a shaped portion for receiving a tool interface to rotate the tap to drive the tap into the main line. The tool interface could be secured to a power tool to enable rapid driving of the saddle tee into the main line. The saddle tee may also include offset arcuate interlocking jaws to enable the jaws to interlock around the main line with ease. Optional interface surfaces on the tap and base unit enable the tap and base unit to interlock to limit rotation of the tap relative to the base unit when the tap is fully inserted into the base unit.

Abstract: A sprinkler apparatus including a manifold is used with a nipple and a union. The manifold includes a pipe section and at least one port. There is a fitting on the port. The nipple has a proximal and distal end. A fitting is located at the distal end of the nipple. One or more radially extending projections may be positioned around the circumference of the nipple. The fitting on the distal end of the nipple may form a water-tight seal with a fitting on a valve without tightening with a wrench by mating projections and indentations and applying a torque to the union. The union includes one or more indentations that may align with and mate with the projections to allow the union to slide over the nipple. The union has a fitting. The fitting on the union corresponds to and engages the fitting on the port.

Abstract: A tamper-resistant hose bib lock is disclosed. The tamper-resistant hose bib lock may be utilized in connection with a hose bib having a threaded end and a narrow region proximate the threaded end. The hose bib lock includes a sealing cup having internal threads to engage the threaded end of the hose bib. The hose bib lock further includes a first mating jaw and a second mating jaw connected by an intermediate hinge. The hinge enables the mating jaws to be positioned in an open state and a closed state. The mating jaws, when in a closed state and positioned around the sealing cup secured to the threaded end of the hose bib, form an enclosure to surround and prevent access to the sealing cup.

Abstract: In a fluid system such as irrigation system, fluid conduit attachment is facilitated through the use of a coupling. The coupling may have a body with a first end attached to a component such as an irrigation component, and a second end designed to receive an end of a conduit. The first end may be integrally formed with the component or separately attached thereto. The second end has a bore into which the end of the conduit is inserted. A gripping mechanism is seated in the bore to grip the end of the conduit. A release mechanism slides to release the conduit. The coupling may have a bend and/or branches extending to extra ends. A second coupling may be added to form a rotatable swing joint. An indicator such as a blue color may be used to indicate compatibility of the coupling with the conduit.

Abstract: A sprinkler having an adjustable spray pattern is disclosed. The sprinkler may include a housing. The housing may include an inlet portion disposed to receive water and an outlet portion. The outlet portion may include a first outlet aperture and a second outlet aperture. The housing may include a cam disposed upstream of the first and second water outlet apertures. The cam may be rotated to a first position and a second position. The cam may include a first open portion that is rotatable about a cam axis. The cam may include a second open portion that is rotatable about the cam axis. The cam may further include a third open portion that is rotatable about the cam axis.