Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided herein for permitting or interrupting irrigation using sensor equipment. In one embodiment, a method for controlling irrigation comprising the steps of: generating an indication representing the amount of rain fall at a sensor unit; transmitting a signal comprising at least the indication from the sensor unit to an interface unit, wherein the interface unit is adapted to cause an interruption of programmed watering schedules of an irrigation controller; receiving the signal at the interface unit; determining, based at least on the indication from the signal, whether irrigation should be interrupted; and generating an interrupt command to interrupt irrigation.

Abstract: The irrigation valve assembly includes a control valve with outwardly directing inlet and outlet ports, a connector sub-assembly forming an integral part of each of the ports. The connector sub-assembly includes a swivel connector positioned on the ends each of the ports for freely rotating around an axis control valve and for connecting and removing pipe sections without having to rotate the entire valve assembly and maintaining the spacing of each lateral section of pipe. A sealing ring is provided on the ends of the ports between the ends of the pipe sections that provide a seal between the pipe and the valve assembly when the swivel connector is fully engaged onto the threaded end of the pipe section. The swivel connector has a female threaded end capable of receiving a male threaded end of a section of irrigation pipe and an unthreaded end having a shoulder having a thickness capable of being forced over a corresponding shoulder on the ends of the ports.

Abstract: An improved underground box and lid for use in irrigation systems and other underground systems is provided. A single box can be inverted, combined and interlocked with a second box to form a single enclosed structure that is twice as high. This can be used for those installations where underground system components are buried in the ground at a greater depth than can be accommodated by a single box.

Abstract: An improved apparatus and method are provided for irrigation systems such as automated sprinkler systems. A pre-assembled housing or valve box includes an inlet for receiving water and one or more outlets for distribution of water to other components in the irrigation system, and also includes manifolding and power and valve means for selectively controlling the flow of water from the outlets. Many of the manifold components are integrally molded with each other and provided in modular form so that the system can be relatively compact and can be customized into a variety of configurations. The manifold can consist of or include integrally formed or interconnected valve bases. The electrical power system includes a main terminal box with power lines leading to connectors adjacent each outlet, so that solenoid valves may be readily connected thereto and replaced as necessary. O-rings, non-conducting gel, and similar mechanisms are provided to ensure the water-tightness of the electrical connections.

Abstract: An improved apparatus and method are provided for irrigation systems such as automated sprinkler systems. A pre-assembled housing or valve box includes an inlet for receiving water and one or more outlets for distribution of water to other components in the irrigation system, and also includes manifolding and power and valve means for selectively controlling the flow of water from the outlets. Many of the manifold components are integrally molded with each other and provided in modular form so that the system can be relatively compact and can be customized into a variety of configurations. The manifold can consist of or include integrally formed or interconnected valve bases. The electrical power system includes a main terminal box with power lines leading to connectors adjacent each outlet, so that solenoid valves may be readily connected thereto and replaced as necessary. O-rings, non-conducting gel, and similar mechanisms are provided to ensure the water-tightness of the electrical connections.

Abstract: An improved apparatus and method are provided for irrigation systems such as automated sprinkler systems. A pre-assembled housing or valve box includes an inlet for receiving water and one or more outlets for distribution of water to other components in the irrigation system, and also includes manifolding and power and valve means for selectively controlling the flow of water from the outlets. Many of the manifold components are integrally molded with each other and provided in modular form so that the system can be relatively compact and can be customized into a variety of configurations. The manifold can consist of or include integrally formed or interconnected valve bases. The electrical power system includes a main terminal box with power lines leading to connectors adjacent each outlet, so that solenoid valves may be readily connected thereto and replaced as necessary. O-rings, non-conducting gel, and similar mechanisms are provided to ensure the water-tightness of the electrical connections.

Abstract: An excavating tooth has a blade of substantially constant thickness with a transverse shoulder at its inner end and a longitudinal gusset. The tooth terminates in a reduced diameter spindle and a button with a shoulder on its forward face. The adapter has a recess to receive the tooth, the forward end of the adapter receiving the thrust of the tooth because the transverse shoulder bears thereagainst. A top to bottom opening in the adapter intersects the recess at the spindle. A pair of grooves are formed on the outside edges of the opening with projections extending inward from the outer walls of the grooves. A retainer is formed of round cross-section wire and slides in the grooves between locked and unlocked positions, the diameter of the wire being less than the width of the grooves. The retainer is symmetrical about its longitudinal center line, having a slightly upward bowed top connector and legs depending from either end of the connector.