Abstract: A method includes receiving acoustic signals from one or more acoustic sensors that are coupled to a beam pump unit. The method also includes identifying a frequency of the beam pump unit in the acoustic signals. The method also includes detecting an outlier in the acoustic signals based at least partially upon the identified frequency. The outlier represents an operational issue with the beam pump unit.

Abstract: Methods and systems for automatically mitigating risks of water damage to a property caused by insurance-related events are provided. A smart home controller and/or insurance provider remote processor may analyze data received from a smart device disposed on, within, or proximate to a property associated with monitoring water flow, as well as data received from an insurance provider. If it is determined that an actual or potential risk of water leakage exists, the smart home controller or remote processor may automatically issue commands to the smart device to take actions that mitigate the risk of water damage. The smart home controller may transmit information about the actual or potential water leakage risks and any mitigative actions to an insurance provider. The insurance provider remote processor may interpret the transmitted data and perform insurance activities, such as providing a discount or premium, and/or adjusting an insurance policy associated with the property.

Abstract: A method of determining properties of a fluid having an oil phase, a water phase, and an emulsion phase between the oil phase and water phase includes emitting an electromagnetic wave into the fluid, measuring an amplitude of a reflection of the electromagnetic wave off an interface between the oil phase in order to determine a height of a coalescing portion of the oil/emulsion interface. A height of a creaming portion of the emulsion/water interface is then determined using the coalescing portion height, total fluid height and water-in-liquid ratio. A thickness of the emulsion phase is determined based on the difference between coalescing and creaming portion height.

Abstract: In some embodiments, systems and methods provide an irrigation control system, comprising: an irrigation controller comprising an irrigation control unit; a power source; a microcontroller; and a modulator, wherein the modulator is configured to output modulated power signals; a plurality of switches coupled to an output of the modulator and independently controlled by the microcontroller; and a plurality of two-wire path output connectors each coupled to a corresponding one of the plurality of switches, wherein each of the plurality of two-wire path output connectors is configured to be connected to a corresponding two-wire path of a plurality of two-wire paths to which multiple decoder-based irrigation control units can be connected and controlled, wherein the microcontroller is further configured to operate the plurality of switches to couple and decouple the modulated power signals from the output of the modulator to one or more of the plurality of two-wire path output connectors.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system for combining the use of near real-time and/or real-time data acquired from an array of single purpose or integrated sensors mounted on a mechanized irrigation machine. According to a preferred embodiment, the integrated sensor of the present invention preferably provides for the collection of a variety data. According to a further preferred embodiment, the integrated sensor suite of the present invention may preferably include internally mounted sensors within a common housing which preferably includes a spectrometer, a radiometer and sensors to measure temperature, rainfall, relative humidity and barometric pressure. According to a further preferred embodiment, the number of integrated sensors mounted on a mechanized irrigation machine may preferably be determined based on a detected number of management zones and/or a detected location.

Abstract: Embodiments include individual physical spray nozzles that have passageways inside to combine fluids that flow out of the spray nozzles. The nozzles have at least two valves that are opened and closed in an interleaved manner. The nozzles have multiple outlets. Such nozzles are mounted on a variety of implements including agricultural or industrial spray booms.

Abstract: A turf management system includes a wireless receiver that is configured to receive respective wireless signals comprising sensor data from wireless sensors positioned in a soil profile at respective depths below a green surface. A control circuit is coupled to the wireless receiver and is configured to determine soil profile conditions at the respective depths below the green surface responsive to the sensor data. The control circuit is coupled to a subsoil environmental control mechanism and is configured to automatically control operation of the subsoil environmental control mechanism responsive to the soil profile conditions at the respective depths below the green surface. The subsoil environmental control mechanism may include a hydronic mechanism that is configured to circulate fluid through a hydronic tubing network below the green surface.

Abstract: A digital water timer may include a main body, a water valve, a locating base, a driving base, and a timer. The main body has a water inlet and a water outlet, and a valve tube protrudes from a lateral side of the main body. The water valve connected to the main body is controlled by the timer to achieve on/off operation of channels inside the main body. The locating base is secured on the main body, and the driving base is adapted to have rotation relative to the locating base and be secured at a specific position after rotated. The timer installed in the driving base comprises a display panel and an operation interface which are exposed externally for operation. The driving base with the timer is rotated relative to the locating base, and the display panel is adjusted as needed to provide an optimal view for operation.

Abstract: A watertight electrical compartment for use in an irrigation device can include a compartment body having a chamber and a sealing section configured to mate with one or more sealing rings. A sealing cap can mate with the sealing section and/or the sealing rings to seal the chamber. A cap retainer can be advanced over at least a portion of the sealing cap. One of the compartment body and cap retainer can have internal threads to be screwed onto external threads of the other one of the compartment body and cap retainer. The cap retainer can also have a stopping feature to keep the sealing cap in its sealed position. The watertight electrical compartment can be used in a wireless flow sensor assembly, a battery operated irrigation controller, and/or a battery-operated central controller device, to provide irrigation control, and/or sensor information, without the need for AC power.

Abstract: An irrigation system broadly comprising a number of irrigation spans, an end gun, an end gun booster pump assembly having a booster pump and a booster pump motor, and a control system including a system controller and a variable frequency drive (VFD) for controlling the end gun pump motor. The system controller determines a desired end gun throw magnitude according to sensor inputs, irrigation system location information, user inputs, and/or other data and sends to the VFD a signal representative of an instruction to increase or decrease an electrical motor input for the booster pump motor. The VFD effects a booster pump motor speed via the electrical motor input so that the booster pump steps up water pressure to the end gun according to the desired end gun throw magnitude.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method for optimizing downstream processes for a flow controller controlling various devices in a flow system is disclosed. The method includes receiving by a processing element historical data corresponding to flow characteristics for one or more flow devices controlled by the flow controller; evaluating by the processing element one or more current run settings based on the historical data; modifying by the processing element the one or more current run settings based on the historical data; and transmitting by the processing element the modified run settings to the flow controller to vary the operation of the one or more flow devices.

Abstract: A valve control assembly for a watering system including a decoder unit and provided with valve control outputs, a solenoid releasably attachable to a valve. The decoder unit is arranged in a substantially cylindrical shaped decoder body having a central axis. The solenoid is arranged in a substantially cylindrical solenoid housing. The decoder body and the solenoid housing are releasably attachable together so that in attached position their axes fall in the same line and their edges along which they are united have respective conforming recesses that are fitted together and prevent angular displacement. In the interior of the decoder body and the solenoid housing in the connection zone a hollow space is defined. Control wires connect the decoder unit, with the solenoid are placed in the hollow space. The control wires having a length to permit dis-assembly and replacement of any of the decoder unit and the solenoid.

Abstract: An irrigation controller is revealed. The irrigation controller includes a user interface presenting information to users, easily-operated by buttons and allowing users to program irrigation related information directly. The user interface is composed of a round display, a plurality of program keys, and a selective key. An indicator and programmable information zones are shown on the round display. There are at least six programmable information zones. The information zone is selected by a single selective key. The indicator is moved in one direction in a circular path.

Abstract: A system and method for water irrigation system are provided. The water irrigation system includes a set of pressure modulators for generating a set of modulated pressure signals that include an actuating pressure signal and a de-actuating pressure signal. The water irrigation system includes a set of irrigating elements. Each of the irrigating elements includes a water emitter connected to a pressure sensing circuit. The pressure sensing circuit is for actuating the water emitter responsive to the actuating signal and de-actuating the water emitter responsive to the de-actuating signal. The water irrigation system further includes tubing for carrying water for irrigation and the modulated pressure signals to the irrigating element.

Abstract: Disclosed is a control system for a water network. The control system includes a plurality of remotely-located monitoring and or monitoring and automatic control stations each including an automation controller for local control and automation, and each in communication via a dual-ring communication topology for system or wide-area control. The dual-ring facilitates redundant peer-to-peer data exchange to provide upstream and downstream water flow and water quality information. Systems described herein may calculate flow differential based on water flow data from each of the monitoring stations, and control flow based on the calculated flow differential.

Abstract: An automatic water control system for open ditch drainage includes a drainage control apparatus that is designed to be disposed in a drainage ditch and to control the water level in the drainage ditch, as well as the water table level in the field.

Abstract: A plunger includes an elongate plunger body which is at least in part cylindrical and a plunger head at one end of the plunger body. The plunger body has a magnet-interface body portion which has a non-cylindrical cross-section perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the plunger body. A magnetic latching solenoid actuator using such a plunger is also provided, as is a method of improving the performance of a magnetic latching solenoid actuator.

Abstract: An expandable irrigation controller for controlling a plurality of watering stations in an irrigation system includes a removable front panel and an inner housing, connected to the front panel. The inner housing includes a circuit board including control connectors which are connected electrically to the controller and a station module operable to provide an ON/OFF signal to at least one watering station of the irrigation system. The station module is electrically connected to the circuit board via the control connectors and the ON/OFF signal is provided based on instructions from the controller in accordance with the watering program. The control connectors are positioned in a substantially continuous line extending across the inner housing such that the station module is connectable to the control connectors at substantially any desired location. Multiple modules of different sizes may be mounted in the inner housing as desired.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a networked irrigation system include a battery powered networked irrigation controller that communicates with a backend server. The backend server monitor rainfall at the location of the irrigation controllers via third party weather resources. General irrigation is set to commence once every several days, and when rain falls at the location of an irrigation controller, the watering schedule is shifted to ensure that watering does not occur more frequently than desired. The irrigation controller uses a cellular transceiver modem to communicate with the backend server, and since the irrigation controller is battery powered, the cellular transceiver modem is maintained in an off state until just prior to commencing a scheduled watering, when the irrigation controller contacts the backend server.

Abstract: A method and device for monitoring an irrigation system is provided. The device includes a flow sensor and an irrigation controller comprising at least two outputs. The irrigation monitor is coupled to the irrigation controller and the flow sensor and performs an action in response to detecting a fault condition. The method includes steps of measuring flow through an irrigation feed, determining an intended state of an irrigation valve, associating the measured flow with the intended valve state, and detecting a fault condition. In some examples the irrigation monitor and irrigation controller use a single processor.

Abstract: The invention provides a regulator system for regulating the operation of an irrigation system which is responsive to user programmed information. It has a control element for issuing watering control signals to an irrigation system, having at least one of (i) a duration programming device for programming a minimum amount of time and a maximum amount of time for the suspension of watering by the irrigation system, and (ii) a user adjustable temperature programming device for programming a minimum allowed temperature for initiating a watering period by the irrigation system. It further has an irrigation system interface for connecting said control element with the irrigation system. It also has a switch for conveying the control signals from the control element to the irrigation system via the irrigation system interface, for either permitting or prohibiting watering by the irrigation system, responsive to the control signals generated by and received from the control element.

Abstract: A system may include a monitoring device that receives data associated with one or more properties at a well. The monitoring device may determine a plurality of expected flow rates of hydrocarbons produced from the well with respect to a plurality of gas injection rates associated with the well based on the data and a hydrocarbon model. The hydrocarbon model may estimate the plurality of expected flow rates of hydrocarbons. The monitoring device may then adjust a gas injection rate at the well based on the plurality of expected flow rates of hydrocarbons.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide systems, methods, and computer program products for performing diagnostics on water distribution systems (e.g., automated drip-line irrigation systems). Embodiments of the present invention can afford users with the ability to identify defective components based on the diagnostics. Furthermore, embodiments of the present invention provide users with additional information in regard to potential causes and trends.

Abstract: A lubricating fluid damped anti-rotational system is provided comprising a pawl carrier having an axis of rotation and a radial aperture, a pawl pivotably mounted to the pawl carrier on a pivot joint, the pawl having a contact portion and a counterweight portion, a lubricating fluid jet configured to propel a lubricating fluid through the radial aperture toward the contact portion.

Abstract: The disclosure extends to apparatuses, methods, systems, and computer program products for generating and optimizing irrigation protocols. The disclosure also extends to a system and method for the detection of faults or deviations from a baseline configuration in an irrigation system during operation in accordance with the disclosed methods, systems, and computer program products for optimizing water usage in growing plants for yard and crops.

Abstract: A dryer including an air condensing unit that can use cooling water to reduce air moisture by condensation in a non-contact manner. The air condensing unit includes a condensing duct and a hollow rib enclosed inside the condensing duct. During a drying process, cooling water flows through the hollow rib and, at the same time, air coming from the tub flows through the hollow rib and is cooled off by the cooling water. The cooled air exits the condensing duct and flows back to the tub after travelling through a drying duct that includes a heater. The external wall and/or internal wall of the rib has protrusions and depressions formed in a three-dimensional pattern to increase surface area.

Abstract: An agile irrigation controller enables any number of programs to be added, limited only by available memory, and is similarly adaptable to control any number of valves or similar irrigation devices in a network. Stored programs within the memory include pointers to next programs in memory, linking the programs together. The memory further stores groups of valves, with links to additional groups of valves.

Abstract: An irrigation system is provided and includes a main irrigation line, one or more lateral driplines, each lateral dripline being divided into zones and including a plurality of emitters at each zone and a plurality of controllable valves disposed along each of the one or more lateral driplines at zone borders. Each one of the plurality of controllable valves is actuatable to activate corresponding emitters in the associated zone in a zone by zone cycle and each one of the plurality of emitters is replaceable to vary an amount of deliverable fluid by the zone by zone cycle.

Abstract: An irrigation system is provided and includes a main irrigation line, one or more lateral driplines, each lateral dripline being divided into zones and including a plurality of emitters at each zone and a plurality of controllable valves disposed along each of the one or more lateral driplines at zone borders. Each one of the plurality of controllable valves is actuatable to activate corresponding emitters in the associated zone in a zone by zone cycle and each one of the plurality of emitters is replaceable to vary an amount of deliverable fluid by the zone by zone cycle.

Abstract: The magnetic contactor, according to an exemplary embodiment, includes: a moving core including a main core disposed to be movable in a length direction thereof and first and second core plates disposed at both ends of the main core, respectively; a coil provided on the circumference of the main core; a fixed core disposed around the coil to form a magnetic path; and a permanent magnet disposed between the coil and the fixed core, wherein the first core plate is disposed outside the fixed core, the second core plate is disposed inside the fixed core, and the fixed core is provided with at least one protrusion to reduce a gap between the fixed core and the first or second core plate.

Abstract: A valve manifold includes a valve body carrying pairs of laterally spaced piston actuated valves controlled by control modules operative to selectively pressurize and exhaust an outlet port connected to a fluid device and configured in groupings permitting varying valve functionalities.

Abstract: An electronic faucet has a controller configured to selectively open and close a valve to provide fluid flow through the valve and a passageway of the faucet. The controller is programmed to selectively open and close the valve to generate a fluid flow pattern through the passageway to provide an indication to a user of a condition of the electronic faucet.

Abstract: An improved sequencing fluid control valve comprising a housing having inlet and outlet ports, a valve seat disposed within the housing, a collapsible valve member disposed within the housing and forming a chamber and a bulb. A sequencing means disposed within the chamber that controls the axial motion of the valve member in response to application of fluid pressure at the inlet such that the motion of valve member alternates between an open free flowing state and a closed restricted flow state. Housing and valve member cooperate in the open position to provide an annular flow path that does not require the fluid flow direction to substantially change while flowing from inlet to outlet. Housing and valve member bulb cooperate in the closed position to form a circumferential seal to restrict the fluid flow. Alternative embodiments including viscous damping means and variations on the housing mount are described.

Abstract: The water hammerless opening device comprises an actuator operating type valve installed on the fluid passage, an electro-pneumatic conversion device to supply the 2-step actuator operating pressure Pa to the afore-mentioned actuator operating type valve, a vibration sensor removably fixed to the pipe passage on the upstream side of the actuator operating type valve, and a tuning box to which the vibration detecting signal Pr detected by the vibration sensor is inputted, through which the control signal Sc to control the step operating pressure Ps? of the afore-mentioned 2-step actuator operating pressure Pa is outputted to the electro-pneumatic conversion device, and with which the 2-step actuator operating pressure Pa, of the step operating pressure Ps? which makes the vibration detecting signal Pr nearly zero, is outputted from the electro-pneumatic conversion by adjusting the control signal Sc.

Abstract: An electronic faucet has controller is configured to selectively open and close a valve to provide fluid flow through the valve and a passageway of the faucet. The controller is programmed to monitor a maintenance condition of the electronic faucet and to selectively open and close the valve to generate a fluid flow pattern through the passageway to provide an indication to a user of an existing maintenance condition.

Abstract: A passive cycle skipping valve comprising a pawl and a wheel comprising a first plurality of pins, wherein a distal end of the pawl is configured to engage any of the first plurality of pins where when the second pin is separated from the first pin by at least a threshold pin separation distance, the valve opens and when the second pin is not separated from the first pin by at least the threshold pin separation distance, the valve does not open.

Abstract: A fluid mixing system capable of quickly stabilizing flow rates of a plurality of fluids to be mixed is arranged to mix the fluids and deliver a mixture thereof to a container. The system includes a plurality of on-off valves for the respective fluids and delivering the fluids to the container. The on-off valves are caused to open and close in order according to respective duty ratios each indicating an opening/closing ratio in a cycle.

Abstract: A fluid passage is emergently-closed in a short time without causing a water hammer by an extremely simple device and operation. A water hammerless closing device includes an actuator operated valve provided in a fluid passage, an electro-pneumatic conversion device for supplying a 2-step actuator operating pressure Pa to an actuator operated-type valve, a vibration sensor removably secured to the pipe passage on the upstream side of the actuator operated-type valve, and a tuning box receiving a vibration detection signal Pr from the vibration sensor and delivering a control signal Sc to the electro-pneumatic conversion device for controlling the step operating pressure Ps? of the 2-step actuator operating pressure Pa so that, with the control signal Sc being regulated, the electro-pneumatic conversion device outputs the 2-step actuator operating pressure Pa with the step operating pressure Ps? capable of bringing the vibration detection signal Pr substantially to zero.

Abstract: Plunger lift operations are difficult to optimize due to lack of knowledge of tubing pressure, casing pressure, bottom-hole pressure, liquid accumulation in the tubing and location of the plunger. Monitoring the plunger position in the tubing helps the operator (or controller) to optimize the removal of liquids and gas from the well. The plunger position can be tracked from the surface by monitoring acoustic signals generated as the plunger falls down the tubing. When the plunger passes by a tubing collar recess, an acoustic pulse is generated that travels up the gas within the tubing. The acoustic pulses are monitored at the surface, and are converted to an electrical signal by a microphone. The signal is digitized, and the digitized data is stored in a computer. Software processes this data along with the tubing and casing pressure data to display plunger depth, plunger velocity and well pressures vs. time.

Abstract: Gas supplying apparatus and gas substitution method where machinery and parts constituting the gas system are not damaged, and where gas substitution in the gas system is carried out in a short time with good efficiency.

Abstract: An improved apparatus and method are provided for irrigation systems such as automated sprinkler systems. A pre-assembled housing or valve box includes an inlet for receiving water and one or more outlets for distribution of water to other components in the irrigation system, and also includes manifolding and power and valve means for selectively controlling the flow of water from the outlets. Many of the manifold components are integrally molded with each other and provided in modular form so that the system can be relatively compact and can be customized into a variety of configurations. The manifold can consist of or include integrally formed or interconnected valve bases. The electrical power system includes a main terminal box with power lines leading to connectors adjacent each outlet, so that solenoid valves may be readily connected thereto and replaced as necessary. O-rings, non-conducting gel, and similar mechanisms are provided to ensure the water-tightness of the electrical connections.

Abstract: An automatic auxiliary condensate drain for an automatic dry-pipe type fire protection sprinkler system, wherein condensation which forms within the sprinkler system due to changes in temperature is drained from the condensate reservoir at the direction of a programmable controller. The programmable controller coordinates the opening and closing of inlet and outlet valves so that accumulated condensate is drained from the system, yet the pressurized gas located in the sprinkler system is not allowed to escape. Actuators operate the inlet and outlet valves in response to signals from the programmable controller.

Abstract: An electro-mechanical actuator for operating a fluid control valve and controlling the operation of one or more field instruments, including other valve actuators. An electro-mechanical actuator has a drive unit and an electric motor driving the drive unit to open and close a fluid control valve to the fully opened and fully closed states under the control of monitoring limit open and limit closed sensors. Auxiliary control output lines connected to other field instruments from the electro-mechanical actuator drive associated fluid control valves to fully open and fully closed states. Limit open sensors and limit closed sensors monitor the valve open and closed state of the other respective field instruments and through a respective pair of auxiliary travel input lines to the electro-mechanical control the field instrument.

Abstract: An inventive apparatus and method is disclosed for the automatic injection of a liquid additive (e.g., liquid fertilizer, liquid herbicide, liquid pesticide, liquid fungicide, a wetting agent solution or a mixture thereof) into a horticultural liquid dispensation system (e.g., a conventional sprinkler system). The invention can be readily packaged/installed with conventional watering systems or readily implemented with existing, installed watering systems. In one arrangement, the invention includes a programmable controller and an injection assembly comprising at least one solenoid valve and an injector. The controller senses which of a plurality of watering zones is currently being watered, and effects the transmission of electrical pulses to the solenoid valve. Such pulses cause the valve to open/close and thereby produce stroking of a spring-loaded piston within the injector. As a result, a predetermined amount, or “slug”, of liquid additive is injected into the watering system on each stroke.

Abstract: A method and apparatus provides a controlled, continuous up-and-down motion of a pop-up sprinkler head device during an irrigation period to approximate a modified sine wave output from the pop-up sprinkler device assuring uniform coverage of an area to be irrigated without excessive watering.

Abstract: A fluid distributor valve comprising a chamber formed by a body and bonnet and having an intermediary plate through which a central shaft extends, a rotor being fitted around said central shaft and being submitted to the action of the fluid flowing into said chamber, said body having fluid outlet bottom orifices being each closed by a respective stopper, said stoppers being prised open by means activated by a reducing gear connected to said rotor, This valve is characterized in that it comprises a central device by means of which the fluid passage towards the rotor is controlled and can even be totally blocked in order to thus adjust the time during which each outlet will be held open, and also in order to keep a given outlet open and all of the remaining outlets closed when the valve has been arrested.

Abstract: A modular modular control apparatus for a water treatment system which periodically undergoes a regeneration cycle including a backwash phase and a replenishment phase. The modular control apparatus has a modular design which includes interchangeable timer modules, a drive motor module, a drive mechanism, a valve cartridge unit, a brine valve module and interchangeable brine valve levers. The timer modules are rugged and relatively inexpensive but are not adjustable. Thus, to adjust the predetermined interval between regeneration cycles, a different timer module is installed. The drive mechanism includes two camming elements which in cooperation with an interchangeable lever and brine line sealing module draw a brine solution from the brine tank to replenish the treatment media and refill the brine tank with water to form a new brine solution. The use of interchangeable brine valve levers allows the quantity of brine solution used to replenish the treatment media to be easily adjusted.