Abstract: System and method for supplying water to plants. A photodetector detects light adjacent the plants and a threshold circuit generates a first signal representative of a first state when the level of illumination of the detected light is less than a threshold level and generates a second signal representative of a second state when the level of illumination of the detected light is greater than the threshold level. A processor is responsive to the first and second signals for anticipating approximately when the detected light will next change from the first state to the second state and approximately when the detected light will next change from the second state to the first state. A counter circuit responsive to the processor generates an initiate signal and a terminate signal.

Abstract: A machine wraps pipe as it travels along a substantially linear path between a feeder reel from which the pipe is unwound to a take up reel onto which the pipe is rewound. A pipe wrap assembly for wrapping one or more layers of tape about the pipe is rotatably mounted on a carriage. A mechanism mounted on the carriage and engaged with the pipe drives the carriage along the pipe as the pipe travels from reel-to-reel. As the carriage is driven along the pipe, the tape is spirally applied to the pipe by the pipe wrap assembly. The carriage is supported for lateral horizontal movement in response to variation in the unwind and rewind points on the feeder and take-up reels. The carriage is also supported for longitudinal horizontal movement in response to changes in the rate of travel of the pipe relative to the rate of travel of the carriage.

Abstract: A pipe wrap machine capable of dispensing one or more continuous strips of pipe wrapping material in a constant spiral path around a pipe includes mechanisms for simultaneously setting and calibrating the pitch of the spiral path of the machine. The shafts of three longitudinally aligned pairs of wheels are connected so that each pair of wheels can be simultaneously rotated to a selected angular alignment in relation to the pipe circumference. Each connecting rod is provided with an indicator and scale, so that each pair of wheels may be easily rotated to a precalibrated position to provide the desired amount of pitch. Each of the wheel shafts extends through a collar mounted on the machine frame. A set screw through each collar permits locking of its shaft at selected lengths of extension through the collar.