Abstract: A life extending, pop-up sprinkle comprising a riser pipe, a collar, a pop-up shaft with a threaded head, an o-ring, a weight, and a spray insert. The riser pipe is threaded at both ends. The lower threads are designed to mate with the specially threaded cavity in the sprinkler head body. Threaded onto the upper threads is the collar, which has a opening, having a hexagonal (or other shaped) cross-section, in its upper web. Sliding inside this opening is the cylindrical pop-up shaft which has a mating, outer, hexagonal (or other matching shaped) cross-section. The O-ring is slipped over the lower end of the shaft and a cylindrical (or other shaped) weight is screwed onto the lower end of the shaft. Both the O-ring and the weight are of larger diameters than the shaft so as to preclude leakage. The upper end of the shaft terminates in a cylindrical pop-up head which is also larger in diameter than the shaft.

Abstract: A new and improved apparatus is disclosed to fertilize water passing through an existing irrigation system. The present invention would comprise at least one feeder, which would comprise an outer housing and an inner feeder tube. The inner feeder tube would be accessible via a top-mounted threaded end cap, with a user removing the top-mounted threaded end cap in order to place fertilizer within the inner feeder tube. The inner feeder tube would have holes throughout its length, and with the outer housing connected up to a closed irrigation water line, the fertilizer would be permitted to mix with the continuous flow of water that would pass through the feeder. Water in the entire irrigation system would be designed to pass through an input PVC line into the feeder, pass around and through the feeder tube (thereby picking up and dissolving fertilizer), and then passing through an output mechanism into the regular irrigation line.

Abstract: A protective device for a riser connected to an underground water pipe and sprinkler head attached at a top portion thereof includes an elongate hollow body member having an upper portion with an upper opening and a lower portion with a lower opening, each opening being defined by a rim on respective upper and lower portion. The body defines an interior space for housing a riser and sprinkler head therein and has a lower portion including a pair of slots formed therein for fitting the body over an underground water pipe, and an upper portion further including a concave hood member extending laterally outwardly and downwardly of the rim of the upper opening and defining a cavity. The hood member has a lower edge portion for engaging a ground surface to limit downward travel of the device. The slots have an open lower portion and an arcuate upper portion for engaging the upper surface of an underground water pipe.

Abstract: A flush plug is provided for temporarily sealing an outlet at an upper end of an irrigation sprinkler riser extensible from an outer housing. A cap is configured to substantially cover the outlet of the riser. The cap has an output orifice dimensioned to reduce the flow of water from the riser a sufficient amount so that the riser will move to an elevated position under normal operating pressure. The cap is configured so that it can be temporarily connected to the upper end of the sprinkler riser. A shut-off flap is pivotally connected to the cap for covering and uncovering the output orifice. A lever is connected to the shut-off flap and is configured and located to engage an upper end of the sprinkler housing when the riser moves to a retracted lowered position. This positively moves the shut-off flap so that it covers the output orifice in the cap. When the riser moves to the elevated position the lever is no longer engaged with the upper end of the sprinkler housing.

Abstract: A spray nozzle for pop-up underground sprinkler comprises a main fixed body and a revolving ring nut that is associated with the aforesaid main body in order to allow the adjustment of the spray angle. The main body and the ring nut as a whole create an area for the containment of water that communicates with the outside through an adjustable scroll-shaped radial passage. The ring nut in addition forms in communication with the aforementioned area an accumulation chamber in which the water flow is subject to compression for the formation of a uniform output spray.

Abstract: A pop-up rotor type irrigation sprinkler has a pivotable butterfly valve body located in its riser just below the nozzle. The valve body is selectively pivotable between fully open and fully closed positions by manually turning a drive member mounted in the upper end of the riser with a hand tool. The drive member is connected to the valve body with a linkage that extends within the riser outside of the water flow path to avoid adversely affecting the water stream ejected from the nozzle. The valve body has an elliptical shape and is curved in section and downwardly concave when in its closed position. Due to its curved shape, the valve body can pivot to its vertical open position in which it rests parallel with the curved cylindrical interior wall of an internal flow tube to minimize flow resistance.

Abstract: A combined nozzle set and lift tool is provided for use with a pop-up sprinkler, wherein the lift tool comprises a tool body in the form of an injection molded runner formed integrally with a plurality of individual nozzle inserts. An elongated tool stem projects outwardly from the tool body and has protruding tabs at a tip end thereof for reception into an undercut recess formed in a pop-up sprinkler spray head to permit lifting of the spray head from a normal position spring-retracted substantially within a sprinkler housing or case, to an elevated position for facilitated access to the spray head. A selected one of the plurality of nozzle inserts can be separated from the lift tool as by snap-off detachment, whereupon the selected nozzle insert can be mounted on the elevated spray head to individually tailor the characteristics of a water stream projected therefrom during normal sprinkler operation.

Abstract: A water flow controlled dispenser of liquid or water-soluble beneficial chemicals for sprinkling systems.

Abstract: An irrigation system for a field, wherein a circular central portion of the field is irrigated by a center pivot irrigation machine, comprising a buried primary water line which extends from a source of water to the vicinity of the field area to be irrigated. At least one, and normally several, header water lines are in fluid communication with the primary water line and extend therefrom with a three-way pulse valve being imposed in each of the header water lines. A plurality of distribution water lines are in fluid communication with each of the header water lines and extend therefrom downstream of the pulse valve. A plurality of spaced-apart, in-line pulse emitter valves are imposed in each of the water distribution lines and have a water discharge orifice associated therewith for discharging water outwardly from the water distribution line to the area immediately adjacent thereto.

Abstract: A trim ring is placed around an in-ground lawn sprinkler to discourage grass growth around it and to protect the sprinkler assembly by indicating its location. The sprinkler trim ring comprises two complementary plates, each having a notch or indents which, when assembled, forms a central aperture fitting around a sprinkler body. The overlapped plates are engaged and secured to each other by screws through slots in the upper plate and screwed into the lower plate. The slots permit sliding of the plates to increase or decrease the tightness on the sprinkler body. Grooves are provided on the bottom of both plates allowing breaking off portions to adapt to a larger sprinkler body and/or to installation site limitations.

Abstract: A floor nozzle for a floor fire suppressant system includes a body and a deflector which is supported on the body. The body includes a transverse passage and a body flange. The transverse passage defines an inlet opening and an outlet opening, with the body flange extending around the outlet opening. The inlet opening is provided for coupling to a fire suppressant supply system. The deflector is spaced from the outlet opening and includes a deflector flange with a plurality of projecting members which extend from the deflector flange toward the body flange. Projecting members are radially spaced around the outlet opening to form a plurality of passageways through which the fire suppressant exiting the outlet opening flows to form a generally lateral radial pattern for delivering fire suppressant to the floor area. The deflector and the body are adapted to support at least a portion of the weight of an aircraft riding over the flange.

Abstract: Method and arrangement for dispensing a deicing liquid onto a traffic area through a stationary spraying arrangement. The method includes generating deicing liquid jets in the spraying arrangement, and discharging an amount of deicing liquid from each deicing liquid jet at a rate of less than approximately 1 l/min. The arrangement includes at least one deicing liquid pump, at least one deicing liquid conduit coupled to the at least one deicing liquid pump, and a plurality of spraying heads coupled to the at least one deicing liquid conduit. The spraying heads include at least one outlet opening having an inner diameter between approximately 0.1 mm and 1 mm.

Abstract: A nozzle for spraying deicing liquid onto surfaces lies flush with surfaces to prevent obstruction of surface treatment. The nozzles may be integral nozzles formed with the surface and may have relief channels designed to spread spray into a stream or a flatter pattern by adsorption of the streaming spray to the relief channel. The nozzles may be adapted for mounting and have an alignment base. An integral check valve and a flow switch are provided in the system. Additionally, either combined with the movement of the nozzle assembly or independently, a pump is regulated to vary the substance flow and pressure to get the desired spray distance and droplet size. Different programs may drive the nozzle and pump assembly depending on the target surface and rheology of the substance under the conditions to be sprayed. The nozzle may be of composite material, stainless or other metal, cast or molded.

Abstract: An automatic water sprinkler assembly is provided. A main conduit is connected to a source of water pressure, at least a portion of the main conduit is buried underground with a releasably connected vertical portion extending above ground. A main horizontal feeder conduit having at least four vertical output conduits is connected to a source of electrical power for operating electrically controllable valves associated with each of said at least four vertical output conduits for selectively controlling fluid flow therethrough. Each of the four vertical output conduits has an end portion terminating above ground and releasably connected to a primarily horizontally extending discharge conduit. The vertical portion of the main conduit, the horizontal feeder, and the vertical output conduits are all releasably connected above ground so that the entire distribution assembly is portable. Alternatively, the valves may be manually operated.

Abstract: A spray system designed for use with animals and in particular a system designed to wash the udders of cows while avoiding injuries to the cows usually encountered with such systems. The present spray system includes a low profile spray head which contains an upwardly directed recessed channel within which are placed a plurality of spray holes to direct water or other fluid spray materials at the udders. The position of the spray holes within the recess causes the fluid emitted from the spray holes to form an upwardly directed fine particle spray or mist which rises from the spray head up to three feet above the spray head, enabling the spray head to completely bathe the utters even though the spray head may be placed at floor level.

Abstract: An adjustable riser is provided for coupling an irrigation sprinkler to a water supply line, wherein the riser is adapted for quick and easy longitudinal adjustment to variably select the elevational position of the sprinkler relative to ground level. The adjustable riser comprises a pair of telescopically interfitting inner and outer riser tubes coupled respectively to the sprinkler and to the water supply line. The inner riser tube has a keyway formed on the exterior surface thereof, and the outer riser tube carries at least one key protruding into and engaged with the keyway. In the preferred form, the keyway comprises at least one recessed channel defined by an axially spaced succession of part-circumferential segments interconnected at opposite ends by axial segments extending in opposite directions.

Abstract: A sprinkler system for a vehicle running test course having an incline in the direction of the width of the vehicle running test course such that said vehicle running test course has a higher side and a lower side. The sprinkler system including a concave placement channel constructed on one or both sides of the vehicle running test course; multiple sprinklers capable of sprinkling water over the vehicle running test course being installed in the concave placement channel; a concave installation channel constructed on the higher side of the vehicle running test course; and multiple water sprinkler nozzles placed in the concave installation channel. The water sprinkler nozzles sprinkle water onto the higher side of the vehicle running test course such that the sprinkled water flows downward along the surface of the vehicle running test course toward the lower side of the vehicle running test course.

Abstract: A valve housing assembly for use with permanent watering systems for yards, gardens, etc. The watering system includes underground substantially rigid conduits for supplying water to the system and delivering water to the delivery units. The valve assembly interconnects the supply and delivery conduits. The valve assembly includes a housing supporting a control valve and having outlet and inlet pipes which interconnect with the valve and the inlet and outlet conduits. The inlet and outlet pipes are flexible which allows connection with conduits which are slightly misaligned. The pipes also have quick release connectors which provides quick connect and disconnect with the valve and inlet and outlet conduits. The valve mount is interchangeable between other valve mounts to accommodate a plurality of value case structures.

Abstract: A pop-up sprinkler head is provided with a mechanism that shuts off the water when the nozzle portion of the riser is removed for maintenance. A stopper element reciprocally mounted in the riser moves to a shut off position when the nozzle is removed. A valve seat member and a stopper element may be provided to retrofit the riser of an existing sprinkler head.

Abstract: A sprinkler is provided which includes an in-ground sprinkler head connected to a surface connector. The surface connector includes a semi-flexible tube connected to curved pipe fittings and ending on the top with a quick-connect device attached to a swiveling mechanism to allow easy connection and disconnection from a garden hose of any in-ground sprinkler head. The bottom end of the connector has a male pipe fitting that connects to any type of in-ground sprinkler head. The top of the connector is a male quick-connect device attached to allow full swiveling motion to permit the quick connect device to be stored in a position at or below ground level or to be raised above ground level to connect to a hose.

Abstract: A pop-up-sprinkler housing has a cap sleeve (1) that slides adjustably into a base sleeve (2) having a base plate (3) with a fluid conveyance (4) that screws onto underground sprinkler plumbing (10) and into sprinkler shafts (8). A housing cap (11) on top of the cap sleeve has a sprinkler-shaft aperture (12) that is sized and shaped to allow ingress and egress of pop-up portions (13) of select sprinkler shafts and has cap-sleeve shoulders (14) that extend over the base sleeve and a support surface (15). Threaded fasteners are provided for attaching the fluid conveyance to the sprinkler shafts and to the underground sprinkler plumbing. A plurality of sprinkler adapters 31 are provided for adaptation to different sizes and types of pop-up sprinklers.

Abstract: A sprinkler unit with riser damping comprises a tubular housing having an inlet for connecting to a source of water, a tubular riser reciprocally mounted in the tubular housing and moveable from a retracted position within the housing to an extended position from the housing, the riser having an outlet having a nozzle for distributing a stream of water outward from the housing, a passage connecting the inlet to the outlet, a retraction spring normally biasing the riser to the retracted position, and a shock absorbing ring mounted on the riser for damping movement of the riser to the extended position.

Abstract: An irrigation sprinkler of the type having an inlet control valve is provided with a removable valve seat formed integrally with an inlet filter screen. The valve seat is positioned to engage a valve head to normally prevent water inflow to a sprinkler case, whereas the filter screen prevents entry of small rocks and other particulate debris into the sprinkler case when the inlet control valve is open. The valve seat is removable from the top of the sprinkler case, without requiring disconnection of the case from a water supply line, to permit flushing of collected debris or to permit replacement of a damaged valve seat.

Abstract: A capillary system provides water, nutrient solutions and gases such as air to the root zone of plants. The system uses one or more conduits having perforations spaced apart therealong, with the conduits being held in pockets. The pockets are formed with an upper layer of capillary cloth and a lower layer of capillary cloth and/or a water impermeable material. The conduits are provided with devices for connection to a supply of water and the like. In use, the capillary system is buried to an appropriate depth in soil below the plants to be irrigated. The upper layer of capillary cloth is wet by the flow out of the perforations and serves to distribute water evenly to the roots. Valves are optionally provided to control flow through the conduits.

Abstract: An improved valve coupling method and apparatus is provided that resists the many forces associated with constant insertion and removal of access keys. The coupler apparatus is made of a non-corrosive metal alloy and includes a pair of specially formed integrated vertical wings which extend out in a tangential, as opposed to radial, direction from opposite sides of the coupler. Each of the wings is offset and includes at least one horizontal shelf portion. When buried in the soil, the vertical wings provide the coupler with frictional resistance to the screwing and unscrewing rotational forces imparted whenever a key is inserted or removed from the coupler, or from the movement of a hose attached to the key. Similarly, the horizontal shelf portions provide lateral support to resist the downward and upward forces associated with insertion and removal of a key, or contact with lawn maintenance equipment.

Abstract: An automatic fertilizing device is installed inline with a below ground water line for an underground sprinkler system, thus placing the entire device below the surface. The device comprises a fertilizer tablet chamber with an inlet and outlet at opposite ends, which are connected to the inlet and outlet side of the water line. A fertilizer replenishment passage extends upwardly from the chamber, with an upper end positioned at or below ground level. One or more inlet and outlet screens may be provided at each end of the chamber, thus preventing the entrance of small particles of the solid fertilizer tablet into either the inlet or outlet line as the tablet is slowly dissolved by water flow therearound. The closure for the passage may include a fertilizer tablet retainer extending downwardly therefrom, to retain the tablet within the full flow of water through the chamber and to prevent the tablet from rising into the replenishment passage.

Abstract: A water relief valve for a drainage system includes a hollow cylinder body and a poppet valve which is inserted into the top of the cylinder body. The pair is connected to the top of a buried pipe section and is flush with the ground after installation. The pipe section connects the downspout of a gutter system to the valve which is positioned away from the building. During rainfall the runoff water passes through the underground pipe until it reaches the valve and forces the valve open and the water discharges around the valve and away from the structure. In this way the runoff water can be dispersed to the grass area away from the house. When not in use, the valve lies flush with the grass and is unobtrusive. The water relief valve also has applications for drainage of large playing fields, farm acreage, and paved areas such as parking lots.

Abstract: A shut-off valve, for use with a sprinkler head affixed to a riser pipe, including a valve seat affixed within the riser pipe upstream from the sprinkler head, the valve seat having an opening and impeding flow through said riser except through the opening. A movable valve element is located within the riser pipe upstream from the valve seat, the valve element being movable between an open position, in which it is spaced apart from the valve seat, and a closed position, in which it engages the valve seat to close the opening and impede fluid from flowing through the riser pipe. A spring biases the valve element toward the valve seat, and a perforated tube extends from the valve element through the opening in the valve seat and contacts the sprinkler head to maintain the valve element in its open position.

Abstract: A thrust block for an irrigation system enables a high pressure valve or other component connected to the thrust block to be easily replaced without digging out a concrete block and surrounding portion of the ground and sectioning the adjacent pipe sections. The valve includes flanges on each end thereof which are releasably secured to similarly configured flanges on couplings. Braces are partially embedded within a concrete block beneath the valve and an upper end of each brace is secured to the fasteners joining the conventional flanges of the valve and the coupling. A push-on fitting is provided on each coupling for easy assembly of the coupling to the adjacent pipe sections.

Abstract: The present invention is a lawn edging device adapted to be used adjacent borders of walks and plant beds wherein the anchoring portion of the device includes opposing blades that facilitates storage and shipping by eliminating the necessity of external packaging. The edging utilizes a conventional longitudinally extending upper body portion with a vertical anchoring barrier depending therefrom. The anchoring barrier is formed integral to the upper body portion and utilizes a projecting blade positioned on one side of the barrier and receptacle for receiving the blade on the second side of the barrier. When the edging device is wound into a coil, for purposes of shipping and storage, the projecting blade on the first side is inserted into the receiving section on the second side of the anchoring barrier. The blades operate to align the circular bead of the upper body portion into a similar plane so as to provide a coiling of uniform shape.

Abstract: A yardage marker system for sprinklers includes a set of individual marker numbers that each have a single digit thereon selected from the range 0-9. A display area is provided on the top of the sprinkler, e.g. on the top of the pop-up riser portion of the sprinkler, for receiving and holding up to three marker numbers set side-by-side. Yardages from selected sprinklers to a point of reference, e.g. to some point on the green of the hole on which the sprinklers are installed, can be marked by applying selected ones of the marker numbers in the appropriate sequence to the display area on the sprinklers.

Abstract: A static sprayer includes a housing mountable in a vertical position, a diverter fixed to the housing for diverting the water from a vertically-extending passageway within the housing laterally through the water discharge outlet at the upper end of the housing, and a cover mounted for vertical movement at the upper end of the housing towards and away from the diverter to cover and uncover the water discharge outlet.

Abstract: A sprinkler head assembly for a lawn sprinkler system includes a valve having a valve actuating member which is engaged by the sprinkler head when the sprinkler head is in place, holding the valve in an open condition, permitting water flow to the sprinkler head. When the sprinkler head is removed the valve is operated to a closed condition, cutting off water flow. The valve member has tabs that, upon operation to the closed condition, retain the valve member in that condition. The valve is made of material allowing the sprinkler head to break away from the valve without damage to either part.

Abstract: A low volume irrigation sub-assembly is dimensioned to be removably fitted in an extensible riser of a conventional pop-up spray housing. The sub-assembly has an upstanding low volume emitter extending generally axial to the direction of elongation of the housing and the riser, and includes a filter and flow control device for restricting the pressure of water passing between the interior of the riser and the emitter aperture.

Abstract: A ground engaging hollow, disklike support mounted coaxially about the top end of the upper section of an underground valve box and having a conical top wall which sheds water to the outer edge of the disk to prevent softening and erosion of ground under the disklike support leading to vertical destabilization of the valve box.

Abstract: A swing connector assembly for connecting a sprinkler unit to a supply line includes an elongated conduit having a pair of swivel elbows connected to it by barbed fittings at each end thereof providing for three degrees of orthogonal rotation for enabling unlimited positioning of the sprinkler unit within the length of the conduit.

Abstract: An improved sprinkler comprises a nozzle body having a nozzle received in a recessed seat provided in a peripheral wall of the nozzle body. The nozzle body has a rotatable upper cover. A cam surface is formed on the cover and extends down into engagement with the nozzle. The cam surface is shaped to push the nozzle at least partially out of its seat during rotation of the cover to allow the user to be able to grip the nozzle and complete its removal by pulling outwardly on the nozzle. The cover also includes a locking rib which can be brought to bear against the nozzle when the nozzle is fully received in its seat to help retain the nozzle in place. Desirably, the cover also includes a radius adjustment screw which is located in front of and spaced away from the front end of the nozzle such that the screw does not in any way engage or bear against the nozzle to prevent damage to the nozzle from the screw.

Abstract: An irrigation system for irrigating an area comprises a pipe for delivering water to the area to be irrigated, and a pump connected to the pipe for delivering a first water supply to the pipe. A timer is operatively associated with the pump for activating the pump during a first predetermined time period. A second water supply is provided connectable to the pipe during a second predetermined time period when the pump is deactivated. A method for irrigating an area is also provided comprising the steps of: providing a water delivering pipe associated with the area for irrigating the area; delivering a first water supply to the pipe during a first predetermined time period; preventing delivery of the first water supply to the pipe during a second predetermined time period; and delivering a second water supply to the pipe during a second predetermined time period.

Abstract: A system for subsurface treatment and disposal of wastewater is described. The system comprises the conveyance of secondarily or tertiarily treated water through closed pipes having walls which are permeable to water. The invention further comprises the cleaning of the conveyance pipe via the introduction of compressed air which expands the pipe and removes debris.

Abstract: A sprinkler head assembly for a lawn sprinkler system includes a valve having a valve actuating member which is engaged by the sprinkler head when the sprinkler head is in place, the valve is in an open condition, permitting water flow through a tap to the sprinkler head. When the sprinkler head is removed, the valve is operated to a closed condition, cutting off the flow of water through the tap.

Abstract: A gear drive sprinkler includes a fixed ring gear fixed to the sprinkler housing and having a circular array of teeth; a rotatable ring grear coupled to the sprinkler nozzle and having a circular array of teeth coaxial with, but of a different number than, the teeth of the fixed ring gear; and a planetary gear rotated by the sprinkler drive and having a circular array of teeth meshing with the teeth of both ring gears so as to planetate around both ring gears and thereby to rotate the rotatable ring gear at an angular velocity corresponding to the difference in the number of teeth in the two ring gears.

Abstract: An improved method for installing lawn sprinkler systems wherein a flexible interconnection line is inserted between the sprinkler head and the water supply line. The flexible interconnection line is preformed having a bend at each end thereof, the bends being orthogonal to each other and to the axis of the interconnection here. This arrangement of bends at the end of a flexible section permits the flexible section to be maintained in close parallel relationship to the water supply line to minimize the width of the trench which must be dug for emplacement of the water supply line beneath the surface of the ground. The preformed interconnection line is also provided with preformed threads at the end so that threaded coupling may be readily made to the water supply line as well as the sprinkler head. This arrangement of threaded coupling permits ready replacement of parts should damage ever occur in the line.

Abstract: A one piece molded combination retaining housing and tee, and a one piece molded combination retaining housing and 90.degree. elbow, for new installations of lawn watering systems, and a separate retaining housing for use with conventional tees and 90.degree. elbows in existing or new installations of lawn watering systems, to eliminate foreign matter from entering into the underground water piping system when a pop-up head is removed for repair or replacement. Adapters, to increase the height of the retaining housings, and retaining housing caps to allow standardization of the retaining housings of these three parts are also a part of the invention. All parts would be made of PVC today, but the material would not be limited to PVC.

Abstract: A landscape sprinkler system employs a first fixed vertical riser, typically attached to an inverted T-coupling, extending from a buried water supply pipe array. A second vertical riser having a sprinkler head connected to its top end and being of smaller diameter than the inner diameter of the first riser is telescopically movable up and down within the first riser to an infinite number of positions relative to the first riser. An annular nut and seal surround the second riser and the nut is threaded on the top of the first riser to seal and hold the second riser thereto. When adjacent shrubbery or landscaping grows to a height above the sprinkler head so as to interfere with the exiting sprinkler stream pattern, the nut is loosenable to adjust the height of the second riser and its connected sprinkler head above the height of the shrubbery and the nut retightened at that new position.

Abstract: A conduit and method of installing water conduits, electrical conduits or drainage conduits in soil. The conduit has a hollow body with a flat top, an integral upper flange and a wedge-shaped integral lower flange, adapted to be received or forced into the soil to provide a watering system or the like with the flange flush with the top of the soil.

Abstract: An irrigation head support includes a circular mat formed by a plurality of concentric circular ribs connected by a plurality of circumferentially spaced radially extending ribs. Interstitial spaces formed between the intersecting ribs allow passage of plant roots through the mat to stabilize the mat in a selected position, just buried beneath the ground surface. A central circular aperture in the mat is dimensioned for reception of an irrigation head. A plurality of arcuate upstanding struts are spaced circumferentially about the periphery of the circular mat and have a vertical extent above the mat equal to the vertical extent of the support ribs above the mat. In use, the mat is placed around an irrigation head and covered with a filler material such as earth or sod. Grass roots subsequently grow through the interstitial spaces in the mat to secure the mat permanently in place.

Abstract: An automatic control system, having a main control system with wireless communication equipment, with a water sprinkling device disposed in an area to be sprinkled with water and adapted to sprinkle water over this area, and water piping installed between a water source and the water sprinkling device, and adapted to distribute water from the water source to the water sprinkling device. A water sprinkling control system is installed on the ground in a position close to the water sprinkling device and adapted to control the water sprinkling device. The water sprinkling control system includes a hydraulic valve disposed in the water piping close to the sprinkling device which has a water channel connecting an inflow passageway with a flow passageway connected to a pilot line. A two-way pilot solenoid valve is connected at one port thereof to the hydraulic valve through the pilot line, and at the other port to a drain piping.

Abstract: A full range nozzle assembly comprises a nozzle member having a base at one end with an inlet for connection to a water supply via a riser tube, and a head at the opposite end with a plurality of spaced spray orifices arranged in a ring around the periphery of the head member, with internal passageways connecting each spray orifice to the inlet. The orifices are of varying dimensions and are arranged to produce sprays having at least two different arc widths. Removable plugs in the passageways control the connection of each outlet to the inlet, and a flow control device is adjustable mounted in the spray head for controlling the flow rate of water from the supply into the inlet. Precipitation rate control or adjustment is provided by varying the effective cross-section of the respective passageways according to the arc width of the orifice with which they are connected.

Abstract: A sprinkler system employs an articulated riser for adjustable sprinkler head positioning. The system allows for positioning each sprinkler head to compensate for ground irregularities by adjusting the position of the riser. The riser may be supplied for field use in assembled condition for direct fixed connection to T joints on the water main without excess ground digging. This substantially reduces part count for field use and system installation time. The joints of the riser provide leakproof movable connections which allow for the position adjustments of the riser and connected head.

Abstract: An underground branch connector assembly for water feed from a main supply pipe to a sprinkler head which permits a range of locations of the sprinkler head independent of the location of the supply pipe, comprising a flexible hose having an anti-kinking feature and special terminal fittings (preferably both male) for connection at one end to a sprinkler head and at the other end to the water supply pipe. The anti-kink feature comprises either an external corrugated sheath or internal reinforcing, such as fiberglass roving, or a steel or plastic coil embedded in the hose wall. The hose is preferably of predetermined length, selected to be somewhat longer than the reach required from the main supply pipe to the desired sprinkler head location. The preferred assembly also includes a plate adjacent the sprinkler head end that permits stable emplacement of the sprinkler head. The flexible non-kink hose of excess length allows imprecise trenching yet precise head location in a proper watering array.