Abstract: The invention is a system for managing a plurality of areas of interest of a golf course. The system comprises a plurality of electromechanical subsystems and a programmable master control module. Each subsystem provides to a specific area at least one of air under pressure and a partial vacuum. In each area of interest, a local control module is responsive to a directive and to a datum. The local control module is configured to operate the subsystem and is in communication with the programmable master control module. The programmable master control module receives from at least two of the plurality of local control modules information representing a status of the respective specific area to which the local control module is dedicated, and in response to the information and to a command, the programmable master control module issues a directive to the local control module to operate the electromechanical subsystem.

Abstract: A data acquisition and telemetry based control system for use in facilitating substantially real time management of an agricultural irrigation system. The soil moisture sensor includes a reader and a plurality of probes. The probes each include an electronic circuit having a moisture sensing capacitor in operative communication with the soil whose moisture is to be measured. Each probe also includes a receive/transmit antenna and the reader includes a transmit/receive antenna, so that as the reader passes near the probe, the reader transmits a digital excitation signal to the electronic circuit of the biodegradable probe via an inductive couple formed between the transmit/receive antenna of the reader and the receive/transmit coil of the probe. The electronic circuit uses an energy component of the excitation signal to generate a digital data signal which indicates the moisture content of the soil adjacent to the moisture sensing capacitor.

Abstract: A spraycoating device includes at least one coating liquid spray gun (2) which contains a measuring valve device (40) opening or closing a compressed gas measuring valve flow path (42) depending on the positions of a liquid feed valve (4). The measurement of the compressed gas flow allows automatically determining whether the liquid feed valve (4) is situated in a fully close or a fully open position or in an arbitrary intermediate position thereto.

Abstract: An irrigation system controller communicates with peripheral sensors using control valve wires as the medium over which to send and receive electronic signals. Various types of sensors such as soil moisture, temperature, etc., can be interfaced to this system. A sensor that is near a control valve can be connected to the control valve wires, eliminating the need to run additional sensor wires back to the controller. Installation costs are reduced because of less wire to run.

Abstract: A mobile, real-time, closed-loop system and method for delivering an aerosol insecticide spray to a treatment area during a treatment period of time employs a prime mover having a spray nozzle through which an air volume is produced in order to entrain insecticide as particles in an airstream passing out of the nozzle. A particle size detector, weather centers and an electronic controller are used to regulate the amount of insecticide and particle size dependent upon speed of the prime mover and weather conditions at the treatment area.

Abstract: An automatic gutter cleaning system for cleaning a rain valley, gutter or drainage channel with a medium, such as air or water. The system includes carrying apparatus for carrying the medium through nozzles into the gutter or channel. The medium flushes the debris located in the valley or gutter either out of the valley or gutter or down the gutter through the down spouts. The system is automatically operated by a controller that either controls the frequency the medium is sent to the nozzles or turns on the system due to inputs from a monitoring means that monitors whether debris is or isn't present in the valley or gutter.

Abstract: A chemical ratio proportioning apparatus (100, 200) intended primarily for use in a wash bay (10) of a vehicle wash system. A gantry (14) and spray wands (18) are used for washing a vehicle (12). A quantity of solvent such as water (109) is provided under pressure from water pumps (104, 202). A chemical (114, 114a) is provided under pressure from chemical pumps (124, 206, 206a), mixed in correct proportion under control of a control unit (120) and flow sensors 112 and 118. The control unit controls metering devices such as a metering pump (124) and/or one or more proportioning solenoid valves (208, 208a) to control the quantity of chemical (114, 114a) entering the system.

Abstract: The present invention provides an irrigation control system in which a device (irrigation scheduler) automatically modifies irrigation schedules of installed irrigation controllers to affect irrigating of the landscape based on the water requirements of the landscape plants and comprises: providing an irrigation controller programmed to execute irrigations on watering days by closing an electrical circuit connecting the controller and at least one irrigation valve; providing an irrigation scheduler programmed to execute irrigations on substantially equivalent watering days as the irrigation controller; and the irrigation scheduler selectively interrupting the electrical circuit to control the execution of irrigations on watering days. Preferably the microprocessor uses either an ETo value or weather data used in calculating the ETo value to at least partially derive the improved irrigation schedule.

Abstract: An irrigation scheduler modifies output of a preprogrammed irrigation schedule of an installed irrigation controller to at least partially improve irrigation of the corresponding landscape. Preferred embodiments accomplish this task using a microprocessor programmed to: (a) derive a first set of information from the output of an irrigation controller used to control an operation of an irrigation valve; (b) receive a second set of information comprising at least one of an environmental factor and a meteorological factor; and (c) use the first set of information and the second set of information to interfere with reception of the output by the valve.

Abstract: A control system is disclosed for an agricultural implement, such as an agricultural sprayer, used to dispense a product to the ground wherein the dispensing units for the product are provided with control valves that can reduce the flow rate of product through selected dispensing units to zero. By controlling the rate of flow through the dispensing units, overlap of the application of the product to the ground can be substantially eliminated. In alternative embodiments of the invention, the control mechanism can receive data from a remote source, such as a central controller or another implement operating in the field, to define where the product needs to be applied to the ground. The application of the product can also be controlled through or in conjunction with a prescription map.

Abstract: A slip-stop device to be mounted on a vehicle is proposed. It includes a tank in which is stored a liquid. The liquid is heated by a heater. A control unit detects the temperature of the road surface on which the vehicle is traveling based on temperature information from temperature sensors to determine whether the road surface is frozen, and whether a particular wheel of the vehicle is slipping. If it determines that the road surface is frozen and the wheel is slipping, the control unit activates a motor-driven pump to spray heated liquid on the frozen road to melt the ice covering the road, thereby increasing the roughness of the road surface. The liquid should be non-freezing liquid such as water that has been subjected to non-freezing treatment or alcohol.

Abstract: There is provided a water-activating shower apparatus that emits activated hot or cold water without requiring a separate particular space where water is to be activated. An activated-water generating part filled with a large number of ceramic materials that radiate far-infrared rays is attached to the showerhead and/or to a pipe-connecting part upstream thereof. This water-activating shower apparatus activates the hot or cold water by far-infrared rays before the hot or cold water is emitted from the showerhead. The activated-water generating part is constituted (a) in an accommodation chamber that is formed in the showerhead, or (b) in an attachment member for attaching the showerhead.

Abstract: A matric potential responder which includes a liquid absorbing swellable nonliquid material (115) held within a housing (114) of a ceramic material environ such as soil, to the material (115), being subject to a compressive force such as a spring (116). This uses balance of compressive force as compared to tension of the soil matric potential being used to control a position of a valve (119) which is arranged to effect an output such as control of a mains water valve (110).

Abstract: A mobile, real-time, closed-loop system and method for delivering an aerosol insecticide spray to a treatment area during a treatment period of time employs a prime mover having a spray nozzle through which an air volume is produced in order to entrain insecticide as particles in an airstream passing out of the nozzle. A particle size detector, weather centers and an electronic controller are used to regulate the amount of insecticide and particle size dependent upon speed of the prime mover and weather conditions at the treatment area.

Abstract: An irrigation system provides fertilization by distributing a chemical additive onto a soil such as a golf course. The irrigation commences with a flowline carrying water, and a pump pumps a chemical additive directly into the flowline. The chemical additive mixes with the water, and the mixture ultimately reaches a sprinkler head where it is sprayed onto the soil for treatment. A reservoir, pump, motor, and control system are enclosed within a housing. The reservoir holds an additive and is connected to the pump, allowing the additive to flow from the reservoir to the pump. The motor operates the pump, which pumps the additive into the flowline. At least one sensor monitors at least one characteristic of the additive. The feedback control system reads the feedback data from the sensors, controlling the flow rate of the additive through the pump into the flowline.

Abstract: A hot melt high temperature material application system with application device pressure monitoring and heated recirculating manifold uses high temperature pressure transducers with each application device such as spray guns to monitor hot melt material application. A material supply line fitting has a calibrated orifice at the interface with a device manifold associated with each application device. In another embodiment, the calibrated orifice is located in a fluid passageway of the device manifold. The calibrated orifice corresponds in size to the opening of a nozzle of the application device. Heated recirculating manifolds are combined with hot melt material supply systems to provide uniform pressure to multiple application devices, and to recirculate material back through the supply system. Each recirculating manifold includes a heater, pressure regulator, and a recirculation path. The manifolds may be directly or remotely connected to one or more hot melt material supply systems.

Abstract: A semiconductor processing system has a liquid chemical metering and delivery system including a process tank and a metering vessel. Fluid level detectors detect the fluid level in the process tank and metering vessel. A two stage fill valve fills the metering vessel from bottom to top. A dispense valve dispenses the metered contents of the vessel into a process tank via gravity, to form a chemical solution in the process tank, with high mixing accuracy. The volumes of the metering vessel and process tank and the inflow and outflow rates are set to provide 100% up time to a process chamber which uses the chemical solution to process semiconductor wafers or other flat media.

Abstract: The invention relates to an irrigation control system comprising; at least one porous capsule sensor, a pressurized gas source in fluid communication with the at least one capsule sensor, and a pressure sensor configured to detect a change in gas pressure in the capsule sensor, wherein the pressure sensor is configured to control irrigation. The invention also relates to a method for monitoring soil moisture conditions comprising, providing at least one porous capsule sensor, placing the at least one porous capsule sensor in the ground, pressurizing the at least one porous capsule sensor with gas, and monitoring a gas pressure associated with the at least one porous capsule sensor. The irrigation water is controlled based on the gas pressure in the capsule sensor.

Abstract: Landscape sprinkling systems that incorporate fire sensors, optional moisture sensors, and control electronics that continuously monitor the perimeter of a property for fire and/or smoke, and optionally low soil moisture conditions. When an alarm is detected, the systems automatically turn on selected sprinkler valves to water areas that would be most impacted by a fire or are in need of water. Wireless and wired system embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: When a liquid tank of a liquid spraying apparatus is filled with a liquid, after the liquid has been supplied into the spray tank of the liquid spraying apparatus, if the existence of residual bubbles is detected by a bubble detecting means, an operation is carried out in which the liquid inside the spray tank is drained so as to drain out the bubbles from the tank and the spray tank is refilled with a liquid. As a result, residual bubbles inside the spray tank are removed from the spray tank and the liquid can be applied appropriately to a photosensitive material without causing atomization failure.

Abstract: The present invention includes a unique irrigation sprinkler system with a unique sprinkler head design; a unique method of defining the planted area to be served by the sprinkler head; a unique method for determining when that planted area needs to be watered; a unique way of providing even coverage throughout the planted area when being watered; the ability to use one sprinkler head to individually water multiple, non-overlapping planted areas; a unique way of addressing multiple sprinkler heads in the same sprinkler system; and a unique method for remotely determining the integrity of the sprinkler system.

Abstract: Landscape sprinkling systems that incorporate fire sensors, optional moisture sensors, and control electronics that continuously monitor the perimeter of a property for fire and/or smoke, and optionally low soil moisture conditions. When an alarm is detected, the systems automatically turn on selected sprinkler valves to water areas that would be most impacted by a fire or are in need of water. Wireless and wired system embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A spray sprays a liquid medicine from a spray part 30. When a liquid sensing electrode 55, 56 arranged on the spray part 30 senses the quantity of the liquid stored in a storage part 30a and determines that the quantity of the liquid decreases, a pin part 27 is driven by a solenoid 26 for feeding the liquid medicine from a liquid medicine bottle 20 to the storage part 30a of the spray part 30 through a feed pipe 25, and the feeding interval is obtained when the liquid medicine is intermittently fed for adjusting power supplied to a piezoelectric element 50 of the spray part 30 so that the feeding interval is constant. Consequently, a spray capable of automatically adjusting the quantity of spraying per unit time to a constant level for spray liquids having various properties can be provided.

Abstract: A mobile, real-time, closed-loop system and method for delivering an aerosol insecticide spray to a treatment area during a treatment period of time employs a prime mover having a spray nozzle through which an air volume is produced in order to entrain insecticide as particles in an airstream passing out of the nozzle. A particle size detector, weather centers and an electronic controller are used to regulate the amount of insecticide and particle size dependent upon speed of the prime mover and weather conditions at the treatment area.

Abstract: Water content in a soil is determined by measuring the attenuation of secondary background cosmic radiation as this radiation propagates through a layer of soil and water. By measuring the attenuation of secondary cosmic radiation in the range of 5 MeV-15 MeV it is possible to obtain a relative measure of the water content in a soil layer above a suitable radiation detector and thus establish when and how much irrigation is needed. The electronic circuitry is designed so that a battery pack can be used to supply power.

Abstract: Apparatus for mixing two fluids has separate supply lines for delivering the fluids to a mixing head. Flow rate of fluid in one supply line is monitored by arranging a pressure transducer to measure a pressure drop across an orifice in an orifice plate arranged in the supply line and a controller is responsive to the detected flow rate to control flow rate of fluid in the other supply line to achieve a desired flow ratio of both fluids at the mixing head for producing a mixed fluid having the correct proportions of both fluids. The fluids may be a concentrate syrup and a plain or carbonated water to produce a beverage.

Abstract: An irrigation system controller communicates with peripheral sensors using control valve wires as the medium over which to send and receive electronic signals. Various types of sensors such as soil moisture, temperature, etc., can be interfaced to this system. A sensor that is near a control valve can be connected to the control valve wires, eliminating the need to run additional sensor wires back to the controller. Installation costs are reduced because of less wire to run.

Abstract: An Electrically operated valve controls the flow of irrigation water. A clock or computer controls the time of day and a programmed watering schedule. The clock signal is serially connected through differential relative humidity (RH) and temperature sensitive circuits. These circuits sense the difference between the surrounding RH and above ground temperature and set points derived from meterological “Normals, Means and Extremes” weather data. When the difference between the set point readings and the surrounding RH or temperature becomes zero and beyond, solenoid activation is prevented during and sometimes before inappropriate weather and evapotranspiration conditions; such as rain, snow or freeze.

Abstract: The automatic semi-conductor condensate flower watering device consists of a condensate part, a heat radiating part and a soil moisture control part, in which the said condensing part is composed of a semi-conductor cooling block with a refrigerating and heat-conducting base plate and a heat radiating and conducting base plate attached to both of its sides. On the said refrigerating and heat conducting base plate is installed the condensing fins and on the heat radiating and conducting base plate is installed the heat radiating fins. The said heat radiating part includes radiating fins and an outlet channel that is formed by the radiating fins. The gap between the said condensing fins is less or equal to 1.5 mm. On the refrigerating and heat conducting base plate is installed a water wiper.

Abstract: Water content in a soil is determined by measuring the attenuation of secondary background cosmic radiation as this radiation propagates through a layer of soil and water. By measuring the attenuation of secondary cosmic radiation in the range of 5 MeV-15 MeV it is possible to obtain a relative measure of the water content in a soil layer above a suitable radiation detector and thus establish when and how much irrigation is needed. The electronic circuitry is designed so that a battery pack can be used to supply power.

Abstract: A method of producing an electron-emitting device includes the steps of forming a pair of electrodes and an electrically-conductive thin film on a substrate in such a manner that the pair of electrodes are in contact with the electrically-conductive thin film and forming an electron emission region using the electrically-conductive thin film, wherein that a solution containing a metal element is supplied in a droplet form onto the substrate thereby forming the electrically-conductive thin film.

Abstract: An environmental sensor system that communicates sensor data to a receiving unit using wireless means such as a radio frequency signal. The receiving unit interfaces with a controllable system, possibly affecting its operation. This arrangement allows one or more sensor and transmitter units to be remotely mounted at a distance from the receiver, without regard to installation complications that often result with a hardwired type units. In the preferred embodiment, an irrigation system is interfaced wirelessly with an environmental sensor such as a rain sensor. The rain sensor is contemplated such that in the event of sufficient rainfall, a wireless signal is transmitted to the receiver unit, which in turn interfaces with an irrigation controller resulting in the cessation of watering cycles until the sensor system provides another wireless directive to resume watering.

Abstract: An irrigation controller in one embodiment comprising a microprocessor for controlling a plurality of watering zones of an irrigation system, a keyboard for enabling an inputting of commands relating to watering programs, a display for displaying information relating to watering programs, and an EEPROM for retaining information relating to watering programs and an on/off status variable even during extended periods without power. The irrigation controller may employ the EEPROM to retain a germinate watering program wherein everyday watering is triggered automatically and a multiplicity of watering start times can be selected. The irrigation controller may employ an analog precision rectifier for detecting how many valves are operational in a given watering zone, and the irrigation controller may also automatically adjust a maximum allowable current in response to how many valves are operational in a given watering zone.

Abstract: A method and means for automatically monitoring and controlling the functions of an irrigation system and ancillary equipment is disclosed herein. A computer is provided which has a Real Time Operating System for monitoring and controlling all irrigation components. The RTOS is in communication with a moisture sensor and/or a weather station. The RTOS continuously monitors soil moisture and weather data and automatically turns on irrigation equipment based on user-defined soil moisture and water needs. The RTOS is provided with a plant disease model and will automatically turn on a chemigation system is plant disease conditions are present.

Abstract: Disclosed is an electronic control assemblage for improving the watering habits to each zone in an irrigated parcel of land. The system consists of a 24 VAC transformer, a control unit, a sprinkler valve, and a probe assemblage for sensing the moisture level in a zone being watered. The electronic control unit is pre-modified to disable power to the sprinkler valve when the moisture level in the zone exceeds a prearranged level as measured by the moisture probe, buried in the zone area. In a preferred embodiment, the probe consists of a cylindrical stainless steel hollow metal shaft, a high purity dissembler metal point, separated with a dielectric material. The shaft, dielectric spacer, and point all have a predetermined length, wall thickness, and grade of material, pre-established to maximize the moisture detection characteristics of the probe. The control unit applies an electrical current along the shaft, energizing the dissembler metal point.

Abstract: The present invention includes a unique irrigation sprinkler system with a unique sprinkler head design; a unique method of defining the planted area to be served by the sprinkler head; a unique method for determining when that planted area needs to be watered; a unique way of providing even coverage throughout the planted area when being watered; the ability to use one sprinkler head to individually water multiple, non-overlapping planted areas; a unique way of addressing multiple sprinkler heads in the same sprinkler system; and a unique method for remotely determining the integrity of the sprinkler system.

Abstract: The automatic semi-conductor condensate flower watering device consists of a condensate part, a heat radiating part and a soil moisture control part, in which the said condensing part is composed of a semi-conductor cooling block with a refrigerating and heat-conducting base plate and a heat radiating and conducting base plate attached to both of its sides. On the said refrigerating and heat conducting base plate is installed the condensing fins and on the heat radiating and conducting base plate is installed the heat radiating fins. The said heat radiating part includes radiating fins and an outlet channel that is formed by the radiating fins. The gap between the said condensing fins is less or equal to 1.5 mm. On the refrigerating and heat conducting base plate is installed a water wiper.

Abstract: An in-ground sensor having an exterior porous filter, a porous inner screen finer than the outer filter designed to further filter solid particles from the inner portion of the device, a float assembly with a sliding member moving upward in response to buoyant forces for activating a control device which sends a signal indicating the level of moisture within the device proportional to the level of the float. The components are preferably made of a material which is temperature and corrosion-resistant in an environment which may be constantly or repeatedly exposed to moisture and temperature variation.

Abstract: The present invention provides a finely-divided powder spray apparatus having a spray nozzle pipe for discharging finely-divided powders from the tip together with a gas stream, which is disposed at a prescribed distance from the member to be sprayed and inclined in a prescribed direction to the member; and a moving-speed control means which controls the moving-speed of the tip of the spray nozzle pipe in accordance with the quadratic function, which indicates the reduction rate of the density of the deposited finely-divided powders based on the distance between a peak point of the density of the finely-divided powders deposited on the member to be sprayed in a trial spray and a spray point at which an extension from the spray nozzle pipe intersects with the member to be sprayed.

Abstract: A microfluidic device adapted for use with a power source is disclosed. The device includes a substrate and a heater member. The substrate and heater member form a first portion. A second portion is formed adjacent to the first portion. The second portion includes a high activating power polymer portion, at least one resin layer and a shield member. The second portion is selectively shaped to form a thermal expansion portion. A diaphragm member encapsulates the thermal expansion portion so that when power is applied to the heater portion, the high activating power polymer expands against the diaphragm member, causing the diaphragm member to deflect. This device is adapted for use as a microactuator or a blocking microvalve.

Abstract: A mobile, real-time, closed-loop system and method for delivering an aerosol insecticide spray to a treatment area during a treatment period of time employs a prime mover having a spray nozzle through which an air volume is produced in order to entrain insecticide as particles in an airstream passing out of the nozzle. A particle size detector, weather centers and an electronic controller are used to regulate the amount of insecticide and particle size dependent upon speed of the prime mover and weather conditions at the treatment area.

Abstract: A discharge apparatus is disclosed for discharging materials from a container onto an open area such as a field. The apparatus includes a power discharge device which is disposed adjacent to a discharge outlet defined by the container. The arrangement is such that when the apparatus is being used to spread the materials onto the open area such as the field, the materials move from the container through the outlet towards the power discharge device for discharging the materials at a location on the field. A power source is drivingly connected to the power discharge device for rotating the power discharge device. A power sensor is provided for sensing the power supplied by the power source which is approximately the power used by the power discharge device, the power sensor generating a first signal which is correlated to the spread rate of the materials discharged.

Abstract: The invention relates to an irrigation control system comprising; at least one porous capsule sensor, a pressurized gas source in fluid communication with the at least one capsule sensor, and a pressure sensor configured to detect a change in gas pressure in the capsule sensor, wherein the pressure sensor is configured to control irrigation. The invention also relates to a method for monitoring soil moisture conditions comprising, providing at least one porous capsule sensor, placing the at least one porous capsule sensor in the ground, pressurizing the at least one porous capsule sensor with gas, and monitoring a gas pressure associated with the at least one porous capsule sensor. The irrigation water is controlled based on the gas pressure in the capsule sensor.

Abstract: An irrigation system having an irrigation controller, a means for detecting changes in environmental conditions, a valve, and a sprinkler connected to a irrigation supply. The controller controls the operation of the valve and the sprinkler in accordance with an irrigation schedule to selectively irrigate a specified number of vegetation areas. The irrigation schedule is adjusted automatically in response to changing environmental conditions. The irrigation schedule is created based on a number of input parameters including the number of cycles to be executed each day, the duration of each cycle, and the number of days in the irrigation period. After receiving the appropriate input parameters, the controller then automatically determines the days within the irrigation period on which irrigation should occur.

Abstract: A ground based remote sensing system for use in conjunction with agricultural irrigation systems. The ground based remote sensing system includes a sensor package mounted to a carriage for movement along a track attached to the agricultural irrigation system. The track is triangular in cross section and includes springs between abutting sections so that travel of the carriage along the track will not be compromised by misalignment between the abutting sections. The sensor package is mounted to the carriage by a mount which acts to ensure that the sensor package remains in a predetermined orientation with respect to the agricultural crop from which data is being gathered. The mount also includes an inclinometer to permit correction of agricultural data gathering errors due to misalignment of the sensor package with respect to the agricultural crop. The ground based remote sensing system also includes conducting rails to transmit energy from a speed control circuit to the carriage motor.

Abstract: Self-contained ecological watering system, protected against obturations, and capable of irrigating at low cost uniformly and regularly a variety of cultivated areas; the system operates automatically a series of fertirrigation cycles requiring minimum actuation power and reduced water flow rate. The system permits implementation of various configuration including a plurality of local subsystems (1) which are controllable locally or from a remote station (6); each subsystem comprises a container (2) capable of accumulating the volume of liquid to be discharged per cycle, a watering assembly (3) capable of regulating the watering volume and discharging it upon receiving a low power signal; a low consumption electronic control unit (4) capable of determining the frequency and the appropriate time to send said signal; and a low restriction distribution network (5) capable of transporting the water to irrigate the locations in need.

Abstract: An irrigation controller that is capable of making daily adjustment of irrigation duration based upon historical, environmental, and or received information. The irrigation controller can automatically skip days and make changes to account for daily and seasonal environmental changes. Such automatic determination is advantageous to minimize the need of the operator intervention to make seasonal change as well as providing irrigation savings, and ensures deep irrigation. The simplified user interface and control allows for a change made at any time of the year to effect the remainder of the year to provide the best balance of minimal or no user interface, irrigation conservation.

Abstract: A mobile products applicator includes a monitoring system particularly adaptable for use in selected product management applications, wherein application rates for selected products stored on-board one or more storage devices are measured on-the-go and visually reported to an applicator operator in near real-time. The mobile products applicator provides environmental advantages to all through enhanced resource management by eliminating or significantly reducing ground and/or water contamination.

Abstract: A control unit for an irrigation system comprising a programmable electronic control unit having a plurality of output control lines for the control of actuators of the irrigation system and comprising a microprocessor for setting data that condition the operation of the control unit. The microprocessor is operable to allow a standard programming of the electronic control unit for setting data suitable for allowing the base operation of the control unit, and an advanced programming for setting further data suitable for customizing the base operation of the control unit.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a system for controlling lawn and garden watering by using electronic sensors to detect the moisture in a lawn. A probe determines the soil water content and powers a signaling device which operates switches for either signaling the need for more water or to stop watering to prevent over-watering. The status of the moisture in the soil is indicated by raising a flag or lighting a strobe light for a visual signal.