Abstract: A method of controlling the duration of irrigation is described, comprising compiling a database that includes information relating to historical evapo-transpiration rates for a plurality of sectors (preferably identified by zip code) located within a geographical area. Period Reduction Factors for each sector are derived. Parameters are entered into the controller including a Maximum Irrigation Duration, a sector identifier; and the current date. The Maximum Irrigation Duration is adjusted by multiplying the Maximum Irrigation Duration by a Period Reduction Factor for the current period associated with the sector that has been identified by the user, to obtain an Actual Irrigation Duration. The irrigation system is caused to irrigate for the Actual Irrigation Duration during the current period.

Abstract: A method of controlling the duration of irrigation is described, comprising compiling a database that includes information relating to historical evapo-transpiration rates for a plurality of sectors (preferably identified by zip code) located within a geographical area. Period Reduction Factors for each sector are derived. Parameters are entered into the controller including a Maximum Irrigation Duration, a sector identifier; and the current date. The Maximum Irrigation Duration is adjusted by multiplying the Maximum Irrigation Duration by a Period Reduction Factor for the current period associated with the sector that has been identified by the user, to obtain an Actual Irrigation Duration. The irrigation system is caused to irrigate for the Actual Irrigation Duration during the current period.

Abstract: A method of controlling the duration of irrigation is described, comprising compiling a database that includes information relating to historical evapo-transpiration rates for a plurality of sectors (preferably identified by zip code) located within a geographical area. Period Reduction Factors for each sector are derived. Parameters are entered into the controller including a Maximum Irrigation Duration, a sector identifier; and the current date. The Maximum Irrigation Duration is adjusted by multiplying the Maximum Irrigation Duration by a Period Reduction Factor for the current period associated with the sector that has been identified by the user, to obtain an Actual Irrigation Duration. The irrigation system is caused to irrigate for the Actual Irrigation Duration during the current period.

Abstract: A method of controlling the duration of irrigation is described, comprising compiling a database that includes information relating to historical evapo-transpiration rates for a plurality of sectors (preferably identified by zip code) located within a geographical area. Period Reduction Factors for each sector are derived. Parameters are entered into the controller including a Maximum Irrigation Duration, a sector identifier; and the current date. The Maximum Irrigation Duration is adjusted by multiplying the Maximum Irrigation Duration by a Period Reduction Factor for the current period associated with the sector that has been identified by the user, to obtain an Actual Irrigation Duration. The irrigation system is caused to irrigate for the Actual Irrigation Duration during the current period.

Abstract: A landscape edging system having an edging strip co-extruded from two different materials to form a core layer and a thin shell layer, with the shell layer generally encapsulating the core layer. The core layer can be made from relatively lower cost, quality and weight materials, such as re-grind or recycled plastic materials, and the shell layer can be made from higher quality materials that are selected for durability, appearance and resistance to corrosion, mildew and impacts. The core layer has one or more longitudinally disposed channels that receive a connector configured to connect adjacent edging strips together to form a boundary between landscaped and/or non-landscaped areas. The connector has a sleeve portion with an internal body member having extending portions configured to interact with the interior wall of the channels. A stake can be driven through the edging strip to secure it in place on the ground.

Abstract: A landscape edging system having an edging strip co-extruded from two different materials to form a core layer and a thin shell layer, with the shell layer generally encapsulating the core layer. The core layer can be made from relatively lower cost, quality and weight materials, such as re-grind or recycled plastic materials, and the shell layer can be made from higher quality materials that are selected for durability, appearance and resistance to corrosion, mildew and impacts. The core layer has one or more longitudinally disposed channels that receive a connector configured to connect adjacent edging strips together to form a boundary between landscaped and/or non-landscaped areas. The connector has a sleeve portion with an internal body member having extending portions configured to interact with the interior wall of the channels. A stake can be driven through the edging strip to secure it in place on the ground.

Abstract: A drip irrigation water distribution device having a housing with a top, bottom and side wall forming a chamber therein. The bottom of the housing has a rotatable coupling attached thereto and configured for attachment to a water conduit member, such as a riser, to allow water under pressure to enter the bubbler. A plurality of valves are disposed in valve openings in the housing. Each valve is in corresponding relationship with a valve receiving member that has an opening in communication with the chamber and a discharge passage. An outlet member connects to a distribution line. The opening is configured to receive a reduced section of the valve to selectively allow water to flow to the discharge passage. The opening is securely closed by lowering the reduced section until it tightly abuts against the opening. An integral screen is included to filter debris in the water supply.

Abstract: A drip irrigation water distribution device having a housing with a top, bottom and side wall forming a chamber therein. The bottom of the housing has a rotatable coupling attached thereto and configured for attachment to a water conduit member, such as a riser, to allow water under pressure to enter the bubbler. A plurality of valves are disposed in valve openings in the housing. Each valve is in corresponding relationship with a valve receiving member that has an opening in communication with the chamber and a discharge passage. An outlet member connects to a distribution line. The opening is configured to receive a reduced section of the valve to selectively allow water to flow to the discharge passage. The opening is securely closed by lowering the reduced section until it tightly abuts against the opening. An integral screen is included to filter debris in the water supply.

Abstract: A method for making drip irrigation lines comprises feeding an elongated sheet of flexible polyethylene film to an injection molding machine for injection molding a series of drippers across a face of the film. A moldable thermoplastic material is injected into multiple die cavities, forming separate drippers each simultaneously heat-bonded to the film. Each dripper has a molded labyrinthine flow-restricting passage extending along it. The mold is opened, the film is advanced, and further series of drippers are injection molded across the face of the film. The previously molded set of drippers are closed off by heat sealing a separate strip of flexible film to a face of each molded dripper to form sealed internal pressure-reducing labyrinthine passages in the drippers. An inlet opens into one end of the sealed internal passage and an outlet opens from the opposite end through the film. The outlet is formed and reinforced during the molding process.