Abstract: A poppet valve for controlling water flow is provided, the poppet valve includes a housing, a movable armature arranged within the housing, a pilot pin having first and second ends, and a return element associated with the pilot pin. The first end of the pilot pin is associated with and driven by the armature, and a poppet is arranged around the second end of the pilot pin. A cage is arranged around the poppet, the cage having a transverse opening adapted for water to flow therethrough. The armature is selectively actuated to drive the pilot pin in a first direction towards a closed position, in which the transverse opening of the cage is blocked by the poppet. The return element drives the pilot pin in a second direction towards an open position, in which the transverse opening of the cage is unblocked by the poppet.

Abstract: A cross-linked, water absorbent polymer is mixed with desirable additives and coated to prevent water absorption to create a blend that is added to water injection systems for turf and soil maintenance. The coating is rinsed off the water absorbent polymer resulting in expansion of the polymer into a gel-like substance. The water absorbent polymer has the ability to retain water and nutrients in the soil preventing nutrient runoff and reducing watering frequency. Injection of the water absorbent polymer directly into soil reduces waste and reduces hazard caused by slippery material left on soil surfaces. The method and system for mixing and injection into soil is disclosed.

Abstract: A system for draining liquid from soil is disclosed. The system includes a passive capillary drain in combination with a core for gravity flow, including a sand top dressing layer, a native soil interface, and a rootzone, a curtain traversing from the sand topdressing layer through the native soil interface to at least one tube element, the at least one tube element pulling the water out of the soil with capillary suction, and a core central to the at least one tube element that moves excess water via gravity flow with capillary suction. The elements may be installed parallel at a 3 feet center and a depth of 10 inches, and/or may be installed vertically.

Abstract: A poppet valve for controlling water flow is provided, the poppet valve includes a housing, a movable armature arranged within the housing, a pilot pin having first and second ends, and a return element associated with the pilot pin. The first end of the pilot pin is associated with and driven by the armature, and a poppet is arranged around the second end of the pilot pin. A cage is arranged around the poppet, the cage having a transverse opening adapted for water to flow therethrough. The armature is selectively actuated to drive the pilot pin in a first direction towards a closed position, in which the transverse opening of the cage is blocked by the poppet. The return element drives the pilot pin in a second direction towards an open position, in which the transverse opening of the cage is unblocked by the poppet.

Abstract: A cross-linked, water absorbent polymer is mixed with desirable additives and coated to prevent water absorption to create a blend that is added to water injection systems for turf and soil maintenance. The coating is rinsed off the water absorbent polymer resulting in expansion of the polymer into a gel-like substance. The water absorbent polymer has the ability to retain water and nutrients in the soil preventing nutrient runoff and reducing watering frequency. Injection of the water absorbent polymer directly into soil reduces waste and reduces hazard caused by slippery material left on soil surfaces. The method and system for mixing and injection into soil is disclosed.

Abstract: A device for treating soil has a soil contact head having at least one discharge orifice therein, and a handle to which the soil contact head is attached. A discharge valve is with the at least one discharge orifice, and a controller is provided for controlling operation of the discharge valve. An actuation trigger is included for initiating an injection event, with the controller being responsive to the actuation trigger to operate the discharge valve in response to the actuation trigger initiating an injection event. The controller controls the duration during which the discharge valve is open during an injection event in response to a single actuation of the actuation trigger. A source of pressurized fluid is flowably connected to the discharge valve, wherein the discharge valve is operable to discharge pressurized fluid through the at least one discharge orifice during an injection event.

Abstract: A mobile injection device including a peristaltic pump assembly configured to be installed in a device for placing material on or beneath the soil surface. The device delivers material into the soil subsurface as a fluid or a suspension. The peristaltic pump has a rotor assembly that urges a fluid additive in precision amounts through flexible tubes into a manifold. A pressurized fluid is introduced to the manifold to mix the additive in the pressurized fluid and inject the mixture into the ground through an injection nozzle. A computer control system monitors the ground speed of the device and determines the amount of additive to be pumped into the manifold to provide a uniform distribution of the additive to the soil.

Abstract: A high pressure injection system for applying a pesticide includes a portable, handheld application tool and a manifold head connected to the application tool. The manifold head has at least one internal passage. At least one high pressure nozzle is positioned in the manifold head and in fluid communication with the at least one internal passage. The at least one high pressure nozzle is operable at pressures between about 25 psi and about 10,000 psi. A contact plate is mounted to the manifold head and has at least one opening aligned with the at least one high pressure nozzle. A source of pesticide is fluidly connected to the at least one high pressure nozzle. A discharge valve is moveable between a closed position wherein the pesticide is inhibited from flowing to the at least one high pressure nozzle and an opened position wherein pesticide flows to the at least one high pressure nozzle.

Abstract: A device for treating soil has a soil contact head having at least one discharge orifice therein, and a handle to which the soil contact head is attached. A discharge valve is with the at least one discharge orifice, and a controller is provided for controlling operation of the discharge valve. An actuation trigger is included for initiating an injection event, with the controller being responsive to the actuation trigger to operate the discharge valve in response to the actuation trigger initiating an injection event. The controller controls the duration during which the discharge valve is open during an injection event in response to a single actuation of the actuation trigger. A source of pressurized fluid is flowably connected to the discharge valve, wherein the discharge valve is operable to discharge pressurized fluid through the at least one discharge orifice during an injection event.

Abstract: A device for treating soil includes a soil contact head having at least one discharge orifice therein, a handle attached to the soil contact head, a discharge valve in fluid communication with the at least one discharge orifice, a soil contact indicator, and a source of pressurized soil treatment fluid flowably connected to the discharge valve. The discharge valve discharges the pressurized soil treatment fluid through the at least one discharge orifice when the soil contact indicator indicates contact between the soil contact head and the soil.

Abstract: A high pressure injection system for applying a pesticide includes a portable, handheld application tool and a manifold head connected to the application tool. The manifold head has at least one internal passage. At least one high pressure nozzle is positioned in the manifold head and in fluid communication with the at least one internal passage. The at least one high pressure nozzle is operable at pressures between about 25 psi and about 10,000 psi. A contact plate is mounted to the manifold head and has at least one opening aligned with the at least one high pressure nozzle. A source of pesticide is fluidly connected to the at least one high pressure nozzle. A discharge valve is moveable between a closed position wherein the pesticide is inhibited from flowing to the at least one high pressure nozzle and an opened position wherein pesticide flows to the at least one high pressure nozzle.

Abstract: A device for treating soil, in an exemplary embodiment, includes a soil contact head, with the soil contact head having at least one discharge orifice therein, a handle attached to the soil contact head, a discharge valve in fluid communication with said at least one discharge orifice, a soil contact indicator, and a source of pressurized soil treatment fluid flowably connected to the discharge valve. The discharge valve discharges pressurized soil treatment material through the discharge orifices when the soil contact indicator indicates contact between the soil contact head and the soil.

Abstract: The invention includes a towable device for treating and maintaining turf, which includes at least one roller and manifold assembly that further includes at least one injection head for directing periodic jets of liquid and at least one additive material into the ground, where the at least one injection head creates a discharge pattern greater than 30 inches in width. Also included is a liquid supply system for supplying pressurized liquid to the at least one injection head, an additive supply system for introducing the at least one additive material to the liquid within the at least one injection head, and a control system for controlling discharge from the at least one injection head. Additionally, the invention includes a method of treating and maintaining turf.