Abstract: A programmed irrigation controller automatically computes durations for, schedules, and controls split irrigation cycles at up to eight watering stations. The controller is manually entered with high-level information regarding soil type, terrain, and irrigation system watering head type, and also with a total irrigation time, for each station. The maximum "on" time duration for each individual split irrigation cycle, and a minimum "off" time duration, are determined from the high-level information input by table lookup. The controller computes the number of irrigation cycles at each station as its total irrigation time divided by its maximum "on" time duration. The controller schedules composite irrigation cycles for all stations so that no station overwaters within a single irrigation cycle or upon successive irrigation cycles that are too closely time proximate. Exclusionary time-of-day intervals that specify when no watering will occur can be inserted within the schedules.

Abstract: An irrigation controller is powered for all normal operations by light incident upon an 18 square inch photovoltaic module. Electrical power from the photovoltaic module is stored in high performance "super" capacitors. A transportable battery power source is connected to the controller to power its communication, such as for manual exercise and/or the loading of irrigation control programs. The external battery power source leaves the capacitor power storage recharged at the conclusion of each communication episode. The irrigation controller electronics, save for a real time clock that is updated, are not provided with a timing signal, and thereby consume almost no energy, save for brief millisecond sporadic time intervals of scheduled irrigation control. Capacitor power storage is approximately 6.5 mWH. Worse case photovoltaic energy production is 7.6 mWH daily. The sporadically operative irrigation controller uses less than 6.

Abstract: A user interface, typically to an irrigation controller, prompts user responses by asking questions. The questions are hierarchally organized, preferably in a hierarchal tree having approximately three to six questions on each hierarchal level between root and leaves. All command and data input may be done with only an "OK" pushbutton switch, and with an additional ".uparw.", or ".dwnarw." pushbuttom switches. Each "OK" user response affirms the premise of a currently-displayed question, and advances the questioning to a related branch upon a next hierarchal level. The ".uparw." pushbutton is used to advance the questioning in a first direction. An optimal ".dwnarw.", or down arrow,pushbutton switch advances the presentation of successive questions in a second direction. An optional "HELP" switch invokes context-sensitive help messages.

Abstract: Separate, but related, firmware programs for multiple microprocessor-controlled irrigation controllers that are interrelated in their control of irrigation within an irrigation system are generated off-line at a personal computer. The programs are downloaded into a transportable memory device that holds sixty-four separate programs. The memory device is transported to each irrigation controller and plugged to a digital communication channel. The device automatically identifies itself to the controller, and vice versa. The appropriate program is automatically uploaded from the device to the controller. The controller's old program and its historical irrigation record data is loaded into the device and delivered to the personal computer for validation and analysis. A wireless remote test command assembly, an extension maintenance panel, or a radio-link central module may be alternatively connected to the controller's digital communication channel.

Abstract: An electromagnet defines a gap between a first polepiece in the shape of the butt end of an elongate cylinder and a second polepiece in the shape of a thick annular ring. A permanent magnet having its poles aligned along the axis of the cylinder moves bidirectionally in the gap in response to alternate polarity energization of the electromagnet, serving as a prime mover. When the electromagnet is not energized then the magnetic flux of the permanent magnet shunts an adjacent polepiece, holding the magnet in place. Upon energization of the electromagnet the relatiely strong magnetic flux of the permanent magnet is switched by a relatively weak electromagnetic flux to pass through the electromagnet, exerting an electromotive force on the permanent magnet and causing it to move. This flux switching offers gain: a one-half gram samarium cobalt permanent magnet moves 0.38 mm in response to a 0.015 ampere 1.5 v.d.c. 20 millisecond current pulse (4.5.times.10.sup.-4 joules) and holds at 40.+-.2g's.

Abstract: An electronically operated primary valve actuation assembly is disclosed for use on a fluid valve in an irrigation system that can be run solely by ambient light energy. In operation, water passes from the high pressure side of a fluid valve through a filter assembly which removes particles as small as 0.002 inches. The microfilter assembly also has a magnet which further removes magnetic particles. As water exits the filter assembly it enter a microvalve actuation assembly which has two microvalves with valve inlet holes approximately 0.013 inches in diameter. It is necessary to filter the water to keep the microvalve holes from clogging. The microvalves are arranged such that when one valve is open the other valve is closed and vice versa. The microvalves require only a small amount of force to open or close the microvalve against high water pressure normally encountered in an irrigation system. Opening and closing the two microvalves causes the main fluid valve to open and close.

Abstract: A user interface, typically to an irrigation controller, prompts user responses by continuously autoscrolling questions. The questions are hierarchally organized, preferably in a hierarchal tree having approximately three to six questions on each hierarchal level between root and leaves. All command and data input may be done with only an OK/YES pushbutton switch, switches. Each OK/YES user response affirms the premise fo a currently-displayed question, and advances the autoscrolled questioning to a related branch upon a next hierarchal level. The NO pushbutton is never required to advance the questioning which is always autoscrolled, but instead serves, while depressed, to accelerate the autoscrolling of successive questions. A HELP response invokes context-sensitive help messages. A STOP response causes reversion in the hierarchy of questioning toward the root level, but does not stop the autoscrolling of questions.

Abstract: A sealed cable splice is disclosed for use in connecting electrically controlled sprinkler valves or other electrical or electronic devices to a control unit. A dual conductor polarity-keyed cable is stripped of its insulation at the end of the cable exposing the bare conductors which are then inserted into a polarity-preserving matching hole in the end of the splice. The exposed conductor enters into a socket area and then into an interior chamber of the splice where it is cinched by a electrical connector that allows a wire to be inserted but not removed. The insulation from a second cable is removed at the end of that cable and is inserted into the other side of the splice in a similar manner. Connection is now made between the two cables. The splice, has previously been filled with a displaceable sealant so that when the conductors are inserted into the splice, the sealant is displaced and forms a seal around the cables and the electrical connection.