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.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a high pressure cleaning device having suds cleaning efficacy comprising a control body, containing a Venturi tube seat at the interior thereof, connected to the output of a pump, one side of the body being an inlet for the feeding of detergent and the other side being connected to a high pressurized air output pipe such that the water stream and the detergent are mixed and formed into suds flowing out from an water outlet of the body to the outside for cleaning purpose, characterized in that a bending opening is provided to the middle section of the of the body connected to the inlet and outlet water passage, and the opening edge of the bending opening, corresponding to the lateral side of the body, a pressure-adjusting device is provided and a plug shaft is inserted at the bending opening and in combination with the conic shape end of the shaft body and a press board mounted at the bottom end of the plug shaft to resist the pressure change of the pressure within the interior

Abstract: A system for optimizing the operation of a plurality of irrigation systems includes at least one control computer, a storage device coupled to the control computer for storing data, a plurality of irrigation device controllers remotely coupled to each of the control computers, and a grid power monitor coupled to the computers for providing power grid demand and usage data. The system may also include GPS and GIS receivers to determine remotely position and soil condition and/or a plurality of sensors located in each of the irrigated fields which transmit soil information directly to the control computers. The control computers each in turn generate priorities of operation for the irrigation systems based on the soil condition information and most economical load operating periods from the electrical power utility.

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: A material spreader comprising a mobile tank for receiving and discharging waste material, such as manure. The spreader includes a conveying assembly comprising one or more augers rotatably mounted in the tank for conveying material received in the tank to a discharge area. An opening in the vicinity of the discharge area permits material to be dispensed to a slinger assembly mounted outside the tank adjacent the opening. Material is distributed by the slinger in a controlled pattern as the tank is transported over a field. A control system is provided for selectively controlling the rate and pattern of the material being distributed, based on characteristics of the material. A field is divided into cells and data relating to the nutrient demand of each cell is collected and stored in tables in a memory. A GPS receiver detects the location of the spreader as it moves over a field.

Abstract: An automatic moisture sensing and watering system detects a moisture level within the soil. The automatic moisture sensing and watering system may be implemented in combination with a conventional automatic watering system to accurately control a moisture content of a plot of soil. Since a plant draws water directly from the soil, the automatic moisture sensing and watering system is adapted for controlling the moisture content of the soil itself, by measuring the moisture content within the soil. The watering period of an automatic watering system may be changed, based upon a detected moisture content within a plot of soil. Alternatively, an amount of water to be applied at a next watering period may be changed, based upon a detected moisture content within the plot of soil.

Abstract: A duct made of flexible material, comprising a plurality of spaced dispensers and regulator valves. Each dispenser is provided with two ports, one for ground dispensing and the other one for over-the-crop dispensing; the ports are controlled by respective differential membrane valves. The ports are supplied by separate system sections, one at low pressure and the other one at high pressure, which comprise respective pipes which are supplied by corresponding motorized pump units at low and high pressure respectively; the pipes are joined in a single duct with side-by-side passages provided with a cross-section shaped substantially like a figure-of-eight.

Abstract: An irrigation system includes a water tower connecting with a water storage tank, a lift device mounted on the bottom of the water storage tank for lifting/lowering it, a first suction pipe having a first end portion connecting to the water storage tank, a discharge pipe having a first end portion connecting to the second end portion of the first suction pipe, a first motor controlled valve mounted on the first suction pipe for opening/closing the connection between the first suction pipe and the discharge pipe, a sprinkler head mounted on and connecting to the second end portion of the discharge pipe, a second suction pipe having a first end portion connecting to the water tower and a second end portion connecting the first end portion of the discharge pipe, and a second motor controlled valve mounted on the second suction pipe for opening/closing the connection between the second suction pipe and the discharge pipe.

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 signalling device which operates switches for either signalling 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.

Abstract: A system for automatically controlling a lawn watering system responsive to the moisture content of the soil includes at least one moisture sensor which supplies a signal to a moisture controller to actuate a water supply valve. The moisture sensor has a casing containing two electrodes and an insulating body of synthetic fibers which provide a path to transfer water from the soil to the electrodes.

Abstract: In a distributing apparatus including a tubular manifold, for an applicator for direct or indirect application of a liquid or pasty application medium onto a traveling material web, notably a paper web or cardboard web, the cross section of the tubular manifold is variable. The adjustment of the manifold permits verying the rate of application of liquid or pastry medium across the distributors width.

Abstract: A paperless recorder for recording pressure and alarm condition data from a fire controller for a fire pump control system. The fire pump is connected a pipe network which has a pressure sensor for sensing pipe pressure. The recorder is connected to the pressure sensor and checks for pressure changes. When a pressure change is detected, it is stored in an electronic memory. Pressure readings are also periodically stored in the electronic memory. The recorder may also monitor alarm voltages and alarm contacts which may also be stored in the electronic memory. The stored data may be transmitted to a computer via modem or port connection for further analysis.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for optimizing the transfer efficiency of a compressed air system used to apply liquid coatings (e.g., paint) while producing a high quality film coating. The invention uses a laser measuring system to determine the atomization of a spray produced by a compressed air spray system. The system also monitors and measures the liquid and air being supplied to the spray applicator to determine the settings required for optimization.

Abstract: A nozzle actuating and adjustment system for applying sealant to a can lid member comprising a nozzle which has a sealant dispensing opening, a needle valve means, a needle valve seat surface and a sealant flow passage for enabling flow of sealant material onto the lid member. The needle valve is selectively axially movable between an open sealant applying position and a closed non-flow position relative to the needle valve seat surface. A spring means is operatively associated with the needle valve means to normally hold the needle valve means in the closed lowered position. A needle valve actuator solenoid is operatively connected to the needle valve for selectively causing axial upward movement of the needle valve from the closed position to the open position by a predetermined axial distance to provide a predetermined sealant flow gap in the nozzle means to dispense a predetermined amount of sealant material during a predetermined dispensing time period.

Abstract: An automatic irrigation system includes a movable irrigation device having a fluid delivery nozzle and a fluid manifold positioned along the mobile irrigation device and adapted to receive irrigation fluid from a supply source. The system includes a detector of moisture present within an agricultural field including an output on which signals representing the detected moisture level are placed. The system also includes an electronic storage device having an addressing and reproduction unit that can selectively address and reproduce a plurality of stored command signals. The system also includes first electronic circuitry coupled to the storage device and including an input for command control signals reproduced from the storage device. The electronic circuitry applies the reproduced command control signal to cause the detector to detect moisture from a plurality of different locations within an agricultural field.

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: A new Rainfall Detecting Automatic Sprinkler Control System for controlling an automatic sprinkler system according to the amount of precipitation received. The inventive device includes a hollow conical member having a plurality of apertures projectable into ground, an elongated tube secured coaxially within the conical member, a float member within the tube, an insulated rod, a first and second contact, and a contact disc. The enlarged open end of the hollow conical member captures precipitation which is collected within thereof. The float member is elevated in relation to the amount of collected precipitation thereby elevating the insulated rod which opens the electrical connection between the first contact and the second contact for controlling the automatic sprinkler system.

Abstract: Disclosed is a control system for regulating irrigation to an area of land. The irrigation control system includes a control unit, a photosensor, a timer or controller and a moisture probe for sensing the moisture level in the area to be watered. The control unit is configured to disable power to the system if the moisture level in the area of land exceeds a predetermined level as measured by the moisture probe, which is buried in the watering area. In a preferred embodiment, the moisture probe consists of two electrode plates, preferably manufactured of high purity copper, that are oriented parallel to one another. The electrode plates each have a predetermined length and thickness and are separated by a predetermined distance, each of which are configured to optimize the moisture detecting characteristics of the probe. The control unit applies an electrical potential across the electrode plates such that the resistance of the soil located therebetween varies as a function of moisture content.

Abstract: An auxiliary sprinkler system control unit that interrupts a sprinkler system when ambient temperature is below thirty six degrees and when wind velocity is above ten miles per hour and when one half inch of water has been measured and delays the sprinkler for one day when in each month a daily running total of water addition is greater than a daily running total of an expected evapotranspiration or soil evaporation and plant transpiration rate as published for a specific area; said unit thereby providing a minimum amount of water to keep a healthy but slow growing turf.

Abstract: A radio controlled sprinkler control system including at least one transmitter unit with a housing. Each housing has at least one moisture sensor with a cylindrical configuration having a top end coupled to a bottom face of the housing and a bottom end with a conical shape for allowing the moisture sensor to be inserted within the ground. The moisture sensor is adapted to generate a moisture signal representative of the moisture level of the ground in which it is inserted. Each transmitter unit further includes a radio transmitter connected to the moisture sensors for transmitting an activation signal upon the receipt of a moisture signal which is representative of a moisture level below a predetermined amount. Further provided are a plurality of sprinklers adapted to be actuated only upon the receipt of the activation signal by an associated radio receiver.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an irrigation assembly for potted plants including a housing for containing batteries and a motor therein with a drain hole formed on one side of the housing. A water pump extends from the bottom of the housing to extend into a container for pumping the water into the housing through a water conduit and discharging the water from the drain hole. A water outlet device is connected to the drain hole of the housing through a water discharge pipe. A control circuit PCB has two rotary switches for setting a fixed-humidity mode or a fixed-amount mode and a control circuit for controlling the electrical conduction opportunity of the motor formed thereon. A humidity sensing rod is connected to the housing by electric wires and is formed in a long strip with a plurality of electrode contacts being formed thereon, and being directly inserted into the soil of the potted plants.

Abstract: A hygrostat system employs a hygroscopic element of a coherent polymer suitable for burying in soil near a plant (for example, a pot-plant). The hygroscopic element directly contacts the soil and has no lost motion as it expands and contracts so that the soil does not interpose itself at the ends of the element. In one embodiment, the hygrostate system has an upper chamber shaped like an inverted cup closed by a diaphragm and a lower frame shaped like an inverted stirrup having a lower arch and having an integrally-molded upper snapping ring, which fits inside the rim of the upper chamber. The upper chamber has a water inlet/outlet spigots extending therefrom. The hygroscopic element is strip shaped and is clipped or keyed at its lower end to a key-stone protrusion formed at the bottom of the lower frame. A pair of guide rails, which serve to stiffen the hygrostat element against buckling, extend from each side thereof.

Abstract: An automatic continuous flow liquid dispensing device for dispensing liquid onto a receiving surface of an article includes an improved flow control mechanism comprising a threaded elongate shaft retained in threaded engagement by a base member securely attachable to the external housing, so as to be selectively rotatably movable to any one of a plurality of stop positions. The threaded shaft is positioned to be contactable by a valve of the dispensing device, thereby acting as a backstop to preclude the valve from reaching its full flow position, and thus defining a plurality of partial flow positions. An electric motor rotates the threaded shaft in first and second rotational directions, to selected stop positions. Electrical controls are connected in electrically conductive relation to the electric motor for selective control thereof.

Abstract: A duplexing encoder/decoder pair for operating two loads independently, from two independent current sources, and using two conductors to connect the current sources and return to the loads, in general, and for expanding automatic sprinkler systems comprising a number of solenoid valves electrically connected to an irrigation controller for the timing and switching thereof, in particular.

Abstract: An adaptable controller for controlling variable numbers of switches is disclosed. Specifically the controller is useful in an irrigation system having a number of water sprinklers whose operation may be controlled by user-defined programs. The system has a processor unit, an interface unit and a number of add-on units. Switches for actuating electrically-operated devices such as sprinklers are located on the interface unit and the add-on units. The controller allows a user to enter operating parameters relating to the switches in the form of the user-defined programs. The processor is capable of ascertaining the number of switches on the interface unit and the add-on units and limiting the number of switches selected and controlled by the user-defined programs.

Abstract: An irrigation system for controlling a plurality of watering stations whereby each station is irrigated in accordance with the specific soil needs at that station; the system includes a plurality of irrigation controllers, one at each watering station, each controller including a power line transceiver, a micro-processor, an erasable non-volatile memory, and an actuating circuitry for activating a valve actuator in response to data received from a computer; a power line network powers the controllers and serves as a medium through which the controllers communicate between one another and the computer.

Abstract: A vehicle wash system having a nozzle for directing a spray of a fluid wash medium at a vehicle for washing the vehicle in which, after the vehicle has passed the spray path, the fluid spray contacts a switch on the opposite side of the vehicle wash that is aligned with the spray path to actuate the switch. The switch is used to shut-off the fluid spray.

Abstract: An automated furrow irrigation control method and system involves the initiation of an irrigation flow into an upstream end of a furrow at an initial water discharge rate; continuously or periodically sensing the progress of water flow along the furrow; continuously or periodically increasing the water discharge rate in response to the sensed progress of the water flow so as to ensure a substantially continuous flow in the furrow at a flow rate which lies substantially between .+-.30% of a constant value; sensing the arrival of the water flow at a downstream end of the furrow; reducing the water discharge rate in response to the sensed arrival of the water flow at the downstream end of the furrow; sensing the percolation of the water flow at the downstream end down to a predetermined depth; and terminating the irrigation flow in response to the sensed percolation.

Abstract: Paint flow control interface circuitry for passing electrical signals across a paint booth barrier including a feedback signal indicating a paint flow parameter from a parameter transducer within the paint booth, includes passive resistive intrinsically safe barrier circuit elements coupled with buffer circuitry for minimizing the voltage drop across the interface circuitry. Light filtering of the buffer circuitry output signal with minimum filter lag yields an accurate indication of the paint flow parameter with high signal to noise ratio and minimum signal lag, for application in closed-loop paint flow control. Additional transducer voltage supply signal feedback provides for closed-loop voltage supply control across the interface circuit.

Abstract: A sensor probe for moisture and other properties of bulk materials contains selection, input, excitation, and isolation functions for obtaining signals from a group of sensors, converting the signals to digital information, correlating portions of the information and transmitting the information to one or more external actuators and remote receivers and controllers.

Abstract: An aerosol generator (10) includes a plate (18) defining an orifice (20) through which a jet of liquid is projected, which breaks up into droplets. The plate (18) is vibrated to control the droplet size, and the size distribution. The droplet size distribution is monitored, and this information is used to control the vibration to ensure the droplets are monodisperse and of the correct size. This can be achieved as follows: the droplets are diverted by a transverse air stream, and an optical image is obtained of the diverted jet (28) onto a linear array of photodetectors (34). The signals from the photodetectors represent the particle size distribution, and are supplied as input to a computer (36) whose output is used to control the vibration of the plate (18).

Abstract: An autonomous plant watering and growth enhancement apparatus for arid climatic regions may include a solar powered Peltier unit or absorption cycle atmospheric vapor condensation module, to deliver a supply of water to a storage module. The stored water is supplied to a subsurface, site-specific delivery system located intimately with a target plant. The apparatus preferably utilizes fuzzy logic supervision provided with local sensing means and historical vapor pressure maps to control and predict water usage while controllably supplementing the delivered water with nutrients and anti-transpirants as needed.

Abstract: The method for adding moisture to particulate material involves placing the particulate material in the lower portion of a bin; rotating vertically disposed spaced augers about a longitudinal axis, and moving said augers in concentric paths through the particulate material. Moisture is then sprayed on the upper surface of the particulate material adjacent the augers.

Abstract: An irrigation control system for regulating the fluid flow to a plurality of spray heads, including a fluid flow controller for each individual spray head, including a pressure operated, biased valve closure member and a slow release control operable in response to ground moisture to operate the valve closure member.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling an irrigation cycle of an area of soil or like material are disclosed. The irrigation cycle may stop as soon as a wetting front of the applied fluid reaches a depth Zi. The wetting front may continue downward into the soil by drainage and percolation to a predetermined final depth Zf. The irrigation cycle controlling apparatus may include an irrigation controller such as a water valve and a wetness sensor configured as a tubular rod. The wetness sensor may be composed of a plurality of porous, hydrophilic plastic material rings, which are separated from each other by a plurality of non-porous, non-conductive rings. A pair of electrodes may contact the top and bottom surfaces of each porous ring and may emit signals to a central processing unit in accordance with the degree of soil wetness. A switching circuit may be connected to the central processing unit and to each of the electrodes.

Abstract: An irrigation system having a microprocessor-based controller for providing a desired degree of watering to an area which is divided up into zones, with each zone including a solenoid water valve in series with one or more water dispensing devices, such as spray heads or a drip irrigation tube. Also associated with each of the zones is a moisture sensor which is arranged to be periodically interrogated by the microprocessor-based controller and, when interrogated, provides an electrical signal proportional to the degree of moisture in the soil proximate the sensor. A feature of the invention is that the microprocessor-based controller is extremely easy to program due to the combination of a display screen on which various menus can be presented and a minimum quantity of push-button keys for calling up the menus and for altering sprinkling parameters that are displayed on the menu screens.

Abstract: A nozzle for spraying liquids includes a body pierced with a bore, preferably a cylindrical or cylindro-conical bore, and carrying an endpiece pierced with an orifice which may be frustoconical flowing out towards the outside or dihedral opening out towards the outside, this orifice being coaxial with a preferably hemispherical swirl chamber and opening out into the latter via a narrow passage. The endpiece is made from an elastically deformable material, and a restraining component, carried by the body and able to move with respect to the endpiece, acts on the endpiece in order to adjust the cross-section and/or the shape of the the orifice without substantially deforming the swirl chamber.

Abstract: A rainfall detector for detecting a set amount of rainfall and which functions to interrupt the normal operation of an automatic sprinkler or irrigation system upon detection of the set amount of rainfall, includes a rainwater-collection tray having an opening and mounted so that the portion of the opening exposed to rainwater during a rainstorm is adjustable. The rainwater-collection tray may be slidably mounted below a detector housing which houses a switching circuit with two sensors extending into the tray, and which serves to block the rain from the open portion of the tray beneath the housing. Thus, the portion of the tray opening exposed to rain is adjusted by sliding the tray so that more or less of the opening is covered by the housing. The tray may also include posts extending upwardly from the bottom of the tray and terminating below the top edge of the tray for preventing debris from filling the rain-collecting portion of the tray.

Abstract: A mastic control system for delivering a mastic material to a surface in a precisely controlled manner. The system includes a mastic pump, a regulator receiving the mastic from the pump, a nozzle receiving the mastic from the regulator, a transducer sensing the pressure of the mastic flowing through the nozzle, a comparator comparing a signal from the transducer and a command signal corresponding to a desired mastic pressure and operative to generate a control signal which is constantly adjusted in response to a sensed difference between the transducer signal and the command signal, and an air valve receiving the control signal and operative to selectively adjust a poppet valve of the regulator in a manner to adjust the delivery of the mastic to the nozzle in compensation for the sensed departure of the mastic pressure in the nozzle from the pressure value dictated by the command signal.

Abstract: A water control apparatus having a main valve, a main valve control, and a step-wise valve. A moisture sensor is connected to the valve control. In response to the moisture sensor, the valve control opens or closes the main valve. When the main valve opens, sufficient water pressure must be present for the step-wise valve to open. When said step-wise valve opens, water flows through it and to a water distribution device that makes the moisture sensor moist. When the moisture sensor is sufficiently moist, the valve control turns the main valve off. With the main valve off, the lack of water pressure closes the step-wise valve. The step-wise valve opens at a higher water pressure threshold and closes at a lower water pressure threshold. The decrease in pressure arising from the opening of the step-wise valve is insufficient to close it. The water control apparatus is powered by water flow and is otherwise self-sufficient.

Abstract: A variable rate fertilizer spreading apparatus for spreading a precise amount of multiple types of fertilizers upon a field based upon a location in the field. The system comprises a controller accessing a soil map indicating the type of soil for each portion of the field, several fertilizer maps storing the desired fertilizer level of each of the fertilizers stored in product bins on the tractor, and several status maps each indicating the current fertilizer level at various locations of the field to be fertilized. By accessing the speed of the tractor via a speed indicator, and ascertaining the location of the tractor in the field via a position locator, such as an LORAN or GPS system, an expert system determines the dispensing rate of each of the fertilizers based on the various maps and the position and speed indicators such that the proper dispense rate of the fertilizers from bins is set to attain the desired level of fertilizers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus controlled by computers, for applicating fertilizers through automatic water-spray in a golf link, farm, garden, indoor garden and flower-vegetable garden on a terrace and roof of a building. The apparatus comprises a storage pump for pumping up water from a water source; filter devices for filtering the thus pumped-up water; injector devices for mixing fertilizers, agricultrual chemicals, bacteria and the like with the water; pressure regulating valves for uniformalizing the pressure of the water mixed with fertilizers and the like in a plurality of branched paths; water-spray devices for spraying the water thus uniformalized in pressure; and a control device for organically controlling the above devices.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a process and apparatus for controlling reactor temperature and/or carbon and heat balance in a fluid hydrocarbon conversion and cracking unit. In particular, the invention is directed to a process wherein the introduction of feed into a conversion and cracking zone is effected by a feed injector which optimizes the atomization of the feed in order to achieve reactor temperature and/or carbon and heat balance control objectives. This invention is applicable to fluid coking, fluid coking with gasification, asphaltene residuum treating (ART), and other petroleum industry processes.

Abstract: A noncontact, infrared energy measuring transducer senses the water content in snow by measuring the average intensity of infrared radiant energy emitted by the snow at substantially below freezing temperature, and the intensity of thereon superimposed infrared radiant energy emitted by an amount of water droplets being deposited at/or above freeze point temperature on the surface of the snow. The transducer generates an electric output signal being proportional to the average intensity of the snow emitted infrared radiated energy which is utilized in a servomechanism or sevomotor operated water valve to regulate the water flow in snowmaking systems.

Abstract: A flow controller device includes a valve assembly connected with a tensiometer to provide automatic control of flow of water for irrigation, including variable control of the rate of flow according to the matric tension of the soil for water. The tensiometer is made of a porous cup and a connecting tube to measure this tension of the soil, which depends on the moisture and type of the soil. The valve assembly is formed of a piston moving in a cylinder, to move a rod connected to the piston. A cavity on the piston end of the cylinder connects with the tensiometer, and at the far end of the rod a flow valve is formed. As the soil dries, water moves out of the tensiometer's porous cup into the soil, reducing the pressure in the tensiometer and cylinder cavity, thereby shifting the piston to begin or increase the flow for irrigation. As soil moisture increases, water moves back into the tensiometer, increasing its pressure, thereby moving the piston to close the flow valve.

Abstract: A moisture-responsive valve includes a water-swellable body within a housing adjacent a moisture-permeable wall thereof for controlling the movements of a valve member with respect to a valve seat in response to the moisture passing through the moisture-permeable wall. The valve member is floatingly mounted between a first spring interposed between the valve member and the housing and urging the valve member away from the valve seat, and a second spring interposed between the valve member and the water-swellable body and urging the valve member towards the valve seat.

Abstract: A variable rate fertilizer spreading apparatus for spreading a precise amount of multiple types of fertilizers upon a field based upon a location in the field. The system comprises a controller accessing a soil map indicating the type of soil for each portion of the field, several fertilizer maps storing the desired fertilizer level of each of the fertilizers stored in product bins on the tractor, and several status maps each indicating the current fertilizer level at various locations of the field to be fertilized. By accessing the speed of the tractor via a speed indicator, and ascertaining the location of the tractor in the field via a position locator, such as an LORAN or GPS system, an expert system determines the dispensing rate of each of the fertilizers based on the various maps and the position and speed indicators such that the proper dispense rate of the fertilizers from bins is set to attain the desired level of fertilizers.