Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method to control the flow duration and the flow rate of each individual sprinkler head wirelessly in each zone of an automatic sprinkler system. The system comprises a plurality of sensors, preferably wireless, to control the sprinkler heads, either directly or through a controller. The system enables precise control over irrigation times for the areas covered by each sprinkler head. The system also enables each sprinkler head to control its on/off and duration decisions based on receiving data from a sensor within an irrigation zone of an automatic sprinkler system.

Abstract: The desirability of programming events may be determined using metadata for programming events that includes goodness of fit scores associated with categories of a classification hierarchy one or more of descriptive data and keyword data. The programming events are ranked in accordance with the viewing preferences of viewers as expressed in one or more viewer profiles. The viewer profiles may each include preference scores associated with categories of the classification hierarchy and may also include one or more keywords. Ranking is performed through category matching and keyword matching using the contents of the metadata and the viewer profiles. The viewer profile keywords may be qualified keywords that are associated with specific categories of the classification hierarchy. The ranking may be performed such that qualified keyword matches generally rank higher than keyword matches, and keyword matches generally rank higher than category matches.

Abstract: A control system and method for an automatic sprinkler system is disclosed. The automatic sprinkler system includes a first control line and a common line coupled to control a first valve. The control system includes a relay coupled in series with the common line, a sensing circuit coupled to detect the assertion and deassertion of the first valve, and a controller coupled to receive a control data. The controller provides a control signal to enable the relay based on the control data. In operation, the relay is turned on or off based on the control data for controlling the on/off duration of the first value. The relay may be incorporated in the sprinkler system. In one embodiment, the control system learns the programming of the sprinkler system by monitoring the common line to determine the start time, the duration, and the irrigation frequency of the first irrigation zone.

Abstract: Interactive program guides and interactive program banners are enhanced through the use of individual program segment metadata that provides descriptive and timing information for individual segments of television programs. The program guides and program banners provide detailed information to the viewer about individual program segments, such as descriptions of individual segments, the time and duration of individual segments, and the location of individual segments within the program. Viewer preferences may be updated and future programs and segments may be searched with reference to characteristics of an individual program segment.

Abstract: Interactive program guides and interactive program banners are enhanced through the use of individual program segment metadata that provides descriptive and timing information for individual segments of television programs. The program guides and program banners provide detailed information to the viewer about individual program segments, such as descriptions of individual segments, the time and duration of individual segments, and the location of individual segments within the program. Viewer preferences may be updated and future programs and segments may be searched with reference to characteristics of an individual program segment.

Abstract: Interactive program guides and interactive program banners are enhanced through the use of individual program segment metadata that provides descriptive and timing information for individual segments of television programs. The program guides and program banners provide detailed information to the viewer about individual program segments, such as descriptions of individual segments, the time and duration of individual segments, and the location of individual segments within the program. Viewer preferences may be updated and future programs and segments may be searched with reference to characteristics of an individual program segment.

Abstract: A clamping device for securing and accurately positioning an item relative to a predetermined surface includes a laterally-extending fixed jaw and a laterally-extending movable jaw. A locating surface is fixed relative to the fixed jaw and extends transversely at a laterally rearward or inward position relative to the fixed and movable jaw surfaces, with the locating surface being engageable by the item to be clamped when the item is inserted between the jaw surfaces. A resilient biasing apparatus is included for resiliently biasing the movable jaw in a generally forward or outward lateral direction, and a clamping apparatus is positioned laterally inward or rearward of the locating surface. The clamping apparatus is selectively actuable for forcibly urging the movable jaw toward the fixed jaw in order to clamp the item therebetween, and for exerting a clamping force on the movable jaw at a lateral position rearward or inward of the locating surface.

Abstract: A boring bar and associated measuring gage device, according to the invention, includes a gaging surface on the measuring gage device that is engagable with a gaging surface on the boring bar. By such engagement, a measuring surface on the measuring gage device remains perpendicular to a reference plane defined by the cutting tip of the boring bar's cutting tool and the rotational center line of the boring bar, thereby substantially assuring accurate measuring, gaging, or positioning of the radial position of the cutting tip. Preferably, attachment means are provided for releasably fixing the measuring means to the boring bar in order to maintain such engagement of the gaging surfaces during such measuring, gaging or positioning of the cutting tool.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a lathe tool for use with a conventional lathe having a generally horizontal bed and a workpiece mounted above the bed and rotatable about an axis generally parallel to the bed. The lathe tool of the present invention includes mounting means for supporting a lever which is pivotally attached to both the mounting means and a reciprocable shaft which has cutting tool holding means on one end thereof. The lever is used to move a cutting tool into engagement with a workpiece to perform such lathe operations as taper turning, taper boring, or the like.