Abstract: A digital camera facilitates remote visual inspection of alignment between a rotor plate and a track plate of a multi-position rotary valve. In some embodiments, a signal from the video camera is used as part of a feedback system that controls advancement of the rotor plate, to automatically align apertures in the rotor plate with apertures in a track plate. Some embodiments facilitate remote visual inspection of the condition of a seal sheet disposed between the rotor plate and the track plate, without disassembling the rotary valve. Some embodiments automatically measure remaining usable thickness of the seal sheet.

Abstract: A disclosed system may add different irrigation timing intervals than those of a master flow irrigation system. Electronic timing systems are not used. Native water pressure flowing internally into the system to move components and otherwise control flow ports is used to control timing. A main fluid intake may accept fluid to pressurize and motivate a diaphragm. The diaphragm houses a ratchet flexure finger which may tangentially engage and rotate a gear spindle which is rotationally coupled to and houses one or multiple cams. A 2-way valve is in contact with one of the cams tangentially and centrically via a valve plunger. The cam(s) have lobe(s) with the peak of the profile being the nose and lower profile base circles. As the cam is rotated, it engages with the valve plunger at the nose or base circle, thus opening and closing the 2-way valve and allowing or stopping flow.

Abstract: A portable one-to-many control device for a sprinkler pipeline including a plurality of control valves at the sprinkler pipeline. The control valve has a main body; a memory and drive unit positioned within the mounting body; and a portable control instrument movably and electrically connected to the memory and drive unit of the different control valve. According to the data saved in the microprocessor and the different requirements of the control valves, the preset instructions can be saved in the memory and drive unit for controlling the activation time of the electromagnetic solenoids, respectively. In this way, many control valves can be set and controlled by only one portable control instrument. Accordingly, the cost can be saved and it is not necessary to be placed outside for the protection from damage. Meanwhile, it is easy to connect to the personal computer for a mutual data transmission, thereby achieving a more convenient and accurate control of the sprinkling process.

Abstract: An automatic flushing system for a potable water station includes a conduit having a first end connected to a potable water supply source and a second end having a nozzle coupling. It also includes an air gap assembly having a coupling operable for coupling with the nozzle coupling to releasably connect the conduit to the air gap assembly in a stored position. Further, the system includes a control system operable for automatically flushing potable water through the conduit and the air gap assembly after exceeding a predetermined time in which a predetermined minimum threshold temperature is exceeded and a predetermined time during which the potable water station has remained idle. A method for automatically flushing a potable water station includes the step of providing the potable water station with a conduit having a first end connected to a potable water supply source and having a second end remote therefrom.

Abstract: Apparatus for use with automatic pool cleaners includes a tube which defines a flow channel for water drawn pump from the pool through a house by a remote pump. The tube includes tubular sections (10A, 10B) joined by a joint (11) which operates to move one tube section between first and second angularly displaced positions. Means are provided for periodically causing the movable tube section to move about the joint with sufficient force to impart movement to the hose to cause a change in direction of the cleaner.