Abstract: A water sensor apparatus used in connection with a watering system. The water sensor apparatus includes a main housing comprising an inlet and an outlet. A valve mechanism is provided inside the main housing. The valve mechanism opens and closes the outlet of the main housing in response to a water level collected in the main housing and a water pressure entering the inlet of the main housing.

Abstract: A smart water timer which includes a water timer, a receiving unit connected to the water timer, and a moisture sensing unit which is in wireless communication with the receiving unit. The smart water timer can sense when the moisture level in the soil is too moist (based on a user setting) and turn off a water supply to a sprinkler as a result A soil moisture sensing unit is placed in the soil in the area to be watered. The soil moisture sensing unit uses a moisture sensing probe and wirelessly transmits a data signal to the receiver, which is connected to the water timer, indicating whether or not the water timer should be permitted to open a water valve.

Abstract: Aspects of the invention relate to a programmable device with a template removably attached thereto. The template contains programming descriptors written in the preferred language of the consumer. As a result, the market for such programmable devices is not restricted based on the preferred language of the consumer.

Abstract: An adjustable oscillating sprinkler with a rectangular shaped frame having a generally tubular shaped housing rotatably attached to said frame with a nozzle strip attached to the tubular housing, where the nozzle strip has a plurality of flexible nozzles, and the sprinkler also has a pivot plate in contact with the nozzle strip and the tubular housing, where an adjusting element rotates the pivot plate about a radius of its longitudinal axis thereby adjusting the coverage pattern of the sprinkler.

Abstract: Aspects of the invention relate to a programmable device with a template removably attached thereto. The template contains programming descriptors written in the preferred language of the consumer. As a result, the market for such programmable devices is not restricted based on the preferred language of the consumer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sensor for detecting fog-like media, comprising at least two emitters and at least one receiver, whereby the emission axes intersect with the receiver axis at two different positions. The inventive sensor also comprises an evaluation unit that detects the medium when the receiver receives signals emitted by both emitters.

Abstract: Aspects of the invention relate to a sprinkler apparatus providing multiple operational modes. For instance, the apparatus can operate as a conventional traveling sprinkler. In addition, the apparatus can provide one or more additional ports so that a user can attach additional hoses or other watering or irrigation equipment. The apparatus can include a switch so that a user can selectively switch a valve so that a fluid flows substantially exclusively to one of these additional ports. In one embodiment, a hose or other fluid dispensing device can be attached to one of the additional ports so that an operator can wash a car, water hanging pots, or perform other watering functions that cannot be accomplished by a traveling sprinkler.

Abstract: Aspects of the invention relate to a measurement and shut-off system for a water dispensing device. The system includes a collection cup in which a float can reside. At least a part of the float can be magnetic. The cup is positioned within the coverage area of the dispensing device. Thus, as water from the dispensing device accumulates in the cup, the float begins to rise. The float can pass by a normally open switch that can be closed under the influence of a magnetic field. The switch can be positioned to correspond to the desired level of water accumulation. If the magnetic portion of the float approaches sufficiently near, the switch can close to complete a circuit that can activate a motor. The rotation of the motor shaft can be transmitted to close a valve so as to restrict the supply of water flow to the water dispensing device.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to a tool having a working head that is pivotally adjustable relative to an elongated shaft. The working head of the tool can be almost any type of tool including gardening tools (hoes, rakes, shovels, etc.) and cleaning tools (mops, brooms, squeegies, etc.). Embodiments of the invention can include an elongated shaft and a pivot arm, which is pivotally connected to one end of the shaft. Embodiments of the invention provide apparatus for allowing a user to pivotally adjust the angular orientation of the pivot arm relative to the elongated shaft, and also for substantially locking the pivot arm in place once the desired orientation is achieved. The pivoting tool according to the invention can pivot about 90 degrees in either direction from a central location in which the pivot arm is substantially aligned with the shaft.

Abstract: Aspects of the invention relate to a sprinkler apparatus providing multiple operational modes. For instance, the apparatus can operate as a conventional traveling sprinkler. In addition, the apparatus can provide one or more additional ports so that a user can attach additional hoses or other watering or irrigation equipment. The apparatus can include a switch so that a user can selectively switch a valve so that a fluid flows substantially exclusively to one of these additional ports. In one embodiment, a hose or other fluid dispensing device can be attached to one of the additional ports so that an operator can wash a car, water hanging pots, or perform other watering functions that cannot be accomplished by a traveling sprinkler.

Abstract: The invention concerns an arrangement for carrying out steering angle or steering wheel angle measurements (&agr;) in motor vehicles. The arrangement uses a resolver for transmission purposes. Advantageous developments concern the use of the resolver for the additional transmission of switching information in both directions and for transmission of energy using frequency-separated or time-multiplexed transmission channels.