Abstract: Described herein are several embodiments relating to modular irrigation controllers. In many implementations, methods of implementing irrigation control are provided that detect a presence of a first module coupled with a control unit of an irrigation controller, the control unit operating in accordance with a bootloader set of code and a first set of code to implement irrigation control, identify that the first module stores a second set of code, and activate the bootloader set of code to replace the first set of code with the second set of code. Also described are various different types of modular controllers, expansion modules that may be coupled to the modular controller, having as variety of functions and features, as well as related methods of use and configuration of the controller and these modules in the controller.

Abstract: Novel films, and processes for making them, are provided. The films are characterized by the inclusion of a layer of vinylidene chloride copolymer between at least two other layers which contain ethylene vinyl acetate, and optionally linear low density polyethylene. The films may be unoriented or oriented. Oriented films may optionally be cross-linked. The novel process of making the cross-linked films includes the step of cross-linking the film after assembly of the vinylidene chloride copolymer layer into the structure.

Abstract: Described herein are several embodiments relating to modular irrigation controllers. In many implementations, the irrigation controllers are modular in that various functional components of the irrigation controller are implemented in removable modules that when inserted into position within the controller, expand the capabilities of the controller. Also described are various different types of expansion modules that may be coupled to the modular controller, having as variety of functions and features, as well as related methods of use and configuration of these modules in the controller.

Abstract: The present invention may be embodied in an apparatus, and related method, for monitoring an individual cell in a fuel cell in an electrical power source. The monitoring apparatus includes a plurality of individual cells, a first switch network, a capacitor, a second switch network, and a voltage measurement circuit. The plurality of individual cells electrically may be stacked in series. The first switch network is coupled between the plurality of cells and the capacitor for momentarily coupling a selected cell to the capacitor. The second switch network is coupled between the capacitor and the measurement circuit for momentarily coupling the capacitor to the measurement circuit for permitting measurement of the voltage across the capacitor for monitoring selected cells. The capacitor may be a floating capacitor that is electrically isolated from a reference voltage of the monitoring apparatus when not coupled by the second network to the measurement circuit.

Abstract: A one-piece stud mount for mounting a traction stud on a reinforcing rod adapted to be embedded in a yieldable drive track. The stud mount includes an elongated, stud receiving receptacle having a threaded opening therein for threadedly receiving a traction stud and a transversely disposed head defining an aperture which has a shape complemental to the shape of the rod for slidably receiving the rod prior to the molding of the track. The invention contemplates a method of manufacturing the stud mount and mounting the stud mount on a track reinforcing bar. The invention also contemplates a method of manufacturing a track in which the stud mount is embedded after being mounted on a reinforcing rod which is also embedded in the track.

Abstract: A traction stud and method of making and mounting a one-piece traction stud having a mounting end, a ground engaging end and an intermediate section therebetween which has an outer surface that flares radially outwardly in an axially outward direction to provide a self locking surface for detachably locking the stud to a snowmobile track. A stud mount is provided for mounting the stud on a snowmobile track including a threaded cylinder for threadedly receiving the threaded mounting end of the stud and a skirt, which radially outwardly flares in axially outer direction, to provide an internal self locking bearing surface against which the tapered surface on the traction stud bears to detachably lock the stud to the drive track. The stud mount is embedded in the track and may include a hollow transverse mounting head which is disposed on a reinforcing bar that is embedded in the track.

Abstract: A syringe and needle grinder incorporating a cylindrical-shaped rotor cutting device which is rotated within a stationary housing having an intake duct in the top of the housing offset from the center of rotation of the cutting device and a discharge duct in the bottom sidewall of the housing. The first set of cutting blades extend radially from the hub of the rotor and a second set of cutting blades are longitudinally positioned around the periphery of the rotor which act in conjunction with a plurality of stationary blades on the inside of the housing to further grind and shear the material prior to expelling it from the discharge opening.