Abstract: Water is removed from an underground perforated pipe by a submersible pump inserted into an imperforate pipe extending from above ground to below ground level for communication with the perforated pipe. An inflatable bladder seals the submersible pump to the inner wall of the imperforate pipe for facilitating suction of water from the perforated pipe into the imperforate pipe. Water is drawn into a proximal end of the pump and expelled out of a distal end of a pump, and out of the imperforate pipe above ground level. By sealing the pump to the inner wall of the imperforate pipe, the pump is capable of drawing water from an underground perforated pipe located at a depth greater than the pumping capacity of the pump for drawing up water.

Abstract: A pressure control system, including a pilot valve suitable for use therein, for providing a constant pressure from a non-compensated pump to a plurality of nozzle valves controlling flow from a manifold to nozzles associated with the valves, including a pressure control valve interposed between the pump and the manifold which is response to a control pressure created by a pilot valve which reduces manifold pressure to the control pressure.

Abstract: A machine in accordance with the invention includes a sprinkler gun (3) placed at the end of a hose (1) which is wound onto a drum (2) rotated by a flexible actuator (12) which actuates a rocker arm (13) carrying a finger (15) co-operating with regularly spaced-apart holes situated in a ring (31). The machine includes a computer (18). The machine also includes a sensor (30) for sensing angular displacement of the drum and situated in the proximity of the ring (31). The machine also includes a pressure sensor (40) at the water inlet to the machine. The computer is programmed to calculate the ideal speed of displacement of the sprinkler gun (3) as a function of the depth of water to be delivered and of the water flow rate which it calculates on the basis of the pressure of which is measured, with the computer also being programmed to calculate the ideal duration of an actuator cycle.

Abstract: A moisture-responsive valve assembly includes a housing having a moisture-swellable body to swell in volume in response to soil moisture, and a bi-stable snap-action device for controlling the valve in response to the volume of the moisture-swellable body. The valve assembly further includes a damped delay mechanism effective to close the valve after it has been open for a predetermined period of time.

Abstract: A water control apparatus is disclosed which is automatically turned on and off responsive to the moisture content of a moisture sensing element which is placed in the locale where it is desired to control the flow of water, such as in the ground or above a pool or as a humidifer. The device does not require any electical power supply, and uses a venturi device and a ceramic moisture sensing element that is porous to air when dry and impervious to air when wet to control a pressure sensitive valve.

Abstract: An automatic lawn treatment device includes a reservoir connected to a rotary type sprinkler for distributing a lawn treatment chemical at a controlled rate. A siphon nozzle in the reservoir mixes a liquid lawn treatment chemical with water from a supply source prior to distribution through the sprinkler. A graduated scale on the reservoir is provided for allowing a carefully measured amount of a treatment chemical to be distributed. A float actuated valve may be provided in the reservoir for shutting off the water flow after a predetermined quantity of chemical has been dispensed.

Abstract: A moisture sensing device for an irrigation system. A pair of concentrically disposed cylindrical conductors are separated by a layer of beads, such that a capacitor is formed whose resistance will vary in response to the level of moisture present in the fibrous material. An electrical circuit is connected across the cylindrical conductors for measuring the variable resistance caused by the level of moisture present in the layer of beads. If the soil is dry enough to require watering, the sensor circuit will produce an output signal to the appropriate solenoid in the irrigation system to permit watering.

Abstract: A sensor is disposed in an earth patch for sensing the amount of moisture in such patch by providing a capacitance having a variable value dependent upon the sensed moisture. The variable capacitance is included in an oscillator which produces a signal at a frequency variable in accordance with variations in the capacitive value. The oscillator is energized by a direct potential passing through a cable from a potential source at a central station. A rectifier and a filter capacitor prevent the signal produced in the oscillator from interfering with the energizing of the oscillator by the direct potential. The signal from the oscillator passes through the cable to a stage at a controller. The incoming signal is prevented from interfering with the energizing voltage source by a filter inductor. A first controller stage reestablishes the incoming signals relative to a ground potential. The signal is the converted to a direct voltage which varies as a function of signal frequency.

Abstract: A control circuit includes one or more pressure activated fluid flow valves and one or more moisture and pressure sensitive controllers. Each controller includes a body with three chambers separated by movable diaphragm assemblies, one of which moves in response to changes in pressure exerted by the amount of moisture or fluid in the environment. Responsively, a passageway through the other diaphragm allows the passage of fluid and thus venting of the flow valves when a low moisture or fluid condition is detected.

Abstract: A moistening arrangement for moistening a flap of an envelope has a nozzle directed to spray a liquid at the envelope flap along a given locus in the plane in response to signals that are a function of the width of the flap for moistening the flap at determined positions thereof. A sensor is positioned to detect the presence of liquid emitted from the nozzle. A control arrangement controls application of liquid to the nozzle while an envelope is adjacent thereto, and liquid is momentarily directed to the nozzle prior to movement of an envelope adjacent to the nozzle for providing an indication of operability of the nozzle and liquid applying arrangement.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for using a nozzle to propel abrasive particles with high pressure water. The nozzle has a straight line path for a constant flow rate of air and abrasive particles to a propulsion chamber. A water path through the nozzle also opens into the propulsion chamber, with both the abrasive path and water path intersecting in the chamber. An outlet bore is provided through the nozzle and communicates with the chamber. A high pressure water supply is used and an air and abrasive supply means independent of the water supply is used to deliver a constant flow of air and abrasive particles. The water inlet path accelerates the water in a propelling jet toward and in alignment with the outlet bore so as to impact the abrasive particles and create a high energy abrasive blast through the outlet bore.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for dispensing fluid material whereby the fluid is discharged from a nozzle onto a workpiece. Delivery of fluid to the nozzle is controlled by a metering valve located in close proximity to the nozzle. The flow of dispensed fluid is sensed by a pressure transducer disposed to sense the pressure drop across the nozzle. The pressure transducer generates a feedback signal which can be applied by way of a closed loop control system to an electropneumatic servovalve which operates a double-acting air cylinder the pressure drop across the nozzle thereby controlling the flow of dispensed fluid in accordance with a driving signal. Where the dispenser is carried by a robot, the driving signal can be correlated to the relative speed between the workpiece and the nozzle to accurately control the amount of fluid per unit length contained in a bead deposited on the surface of the workpiece.

Abstract: A hydraulic tensiometer includes a pressure-sensitive electrical switch which acts to control an irrigation system in response to changes in matric water potential. Three chambers are defined in the tensiometer by moveable diaphragms. Two of the chambers are not in communication with the tensiometer probe, but are interconnected by a passageway. Flow through the passageway is controlled by an electrically operated valve.

Abstract: A water conservation system that connects between a standard irrigation system that is controlled by a clock, and the water control valves of that system in order to limit the flow of water during timed irrigation cycles. When the timed watering cycles are initiated by the standard irrigation system, the water conservation device senses the moisture in the soil and compares it with preset wet and dry moisture limits and scales back each of the watering cycles in proportion to the moisture content of the ground to thereby conserve irrigation water that is applied to a ground area. The device includes a moisture sensor, a central processing unit, and a solid state memory that is connected to the central processing unit and the moisture sensor.

Abstract: According to a method and an apparatus for measuring a water content, a thermal conductivity of a measurement target is measured, and a water content of the measurement target is calculated from the thermal conductivity in accordance with prepared data which represents correlation between a thermal conductivity and a water content of the measurement target. A water content management system controls the water content in accordance with the actual water content. If the water content is excessive, it is informed by an alarm system.

Abstract: An apparatus is described that has been created to maintain a constant level of saturation of water near the foundation of houses, buildings, or the like. The maintenance of such a level of moisture is essential to the structural integrity of foundations especially in those geographic locations where the level of soil moisture varies significantly from season to season. Soil, when it absorbs water, expands. This soil can exert tremendous pressure on the foundation of a house. To prevent cracking of foundations, and thus, to prevent the need for costly repairs, the apparatus described herein provides sufficient moisture to the soil surrounding the foundation of a house such that additional moisture (i.e. rain) does not cause the soil to expand dramatically.

Abstract: A device for overhead dusting of a field with fertilizer or particulate material includes an overhead suction impeller having a central annulus receiving a vertical pipe leading from a flow-controlled hoppr discharge. A cover on the pipe confines the discharge of air and entrained material to an angular section of the annulus and a baffle is adjustable around the pipe to increase and decrease the angular section.

Abstract: In a method for controlling the flow of a pumpable food product into an apparatus comprising a conveyor belt to which the product is applied and converted from liquid to solid phase, the angle of spreading of the product applied to the conveyor belt is sensed and compared with a predetermined angle of spreading. The flow of product is so controlled that the difference between these angles is reduced. An apparatus for carrying out the method includes a horizontal belt conveyor having a conveyor belt for treating a web or mat of a pumpable product which is applied to the belt and spread over its entire width. A detector senses the angle of spreading of the product on the belt, and a control unit controls the flow of product applied such that the angle of spreading will have a predetermined value.

Abstract: A moisture-actuated apparatus for controlling the flow of water by expandingly absorbing moisture from and contractingly emitting moisture into a moisture-conducting medium. The actuation is binary, with one state resulting from the expansion of an actuating element when it absorbs moisture from a water-conducting medium having a higher concentration of moisture than the element. The second state results from the contraction of the actuating element when the medium contains a lower concentration of moisture than the element, causing the element to emit moisture into the medium. The actuating element includes a thirotropic hydrophilic expandite material disposed in a matrix of wicking material. In one embodiment the absorptive expansion is used to provide a high-moisture signal in the same embodiment, contraction of the element produces a low moisture signal for opening the valve. In other embodiments, the expansion and contraction of the actuating element is used to directly actuate a valve.

Abstract: An automatic control apparatus and method for sprinkling water over a predetermined area includes a control apparatus having first and second sensors disposed underground within the predetermined area, with the first sensor being disposed in a horizontal orientation immediately below the plant root level and the second sensor being disposed in a horizontal position a predetermined distance below the first sensor. The predetermined distance between the first and second sensors is selected to provide a measurement of the wilt-point moisture content of the type of soil found within the predetermined area. The first and second sensors are provided to measure the impedance of the soil therebetween, with the impedance being proportional to the moisture content of the soil. The output of the first and second sensors is compared with a predetermined electrical reference value established for the wilt-point moisture content of the type of soil found within the predetermined area.

Abstract: A moisture sensor having an oscillator circuit with its output frequency directly proportional to moisture percentage present in the substance of interest, such as soil. The oscillator circuit includes two spaced plates in the substance which function as a capacitor. The frequency of the oscillations changes as the capacitance between the plates changes due to the moisture present between the plates. The sensor is particularly adapted for use as a soil moisture detector and provides indications of moisture percentage or end points such as wet or dry conditions.

Abstract: An automatic irrigation system in which a plurality of zones of a ground area are periodically watered for a predetermined time in a predetermined sequence. Located within each zone is a ground moisture sensor that overrides the automatic irrigation system and prevents watering if the sensed ground moisture is at or above a chosen value. Apparatus is provided which, from a central location, can bypass the automatic irrigation system and the ground sensors. A central transmitter coupled to a plurality of remote receivers enables simultaneous or sequential watering of all zones by actuating the remotely located valves regardless of the sensed ground moisture level.

Abstract: A center pivot irrigation system with a controller for automatically starting and stopping the irrigation system based on the moisture level of the soil. A moisture level sensor is provided to detect the moisture level of the soil in the field at the predetermined location. When the moisture level falls below a predetermined level, a center pivot irrigation cycle is initiated. At least one complete irrigation cycle will be completed regardless of the status of the moisture sensor. Once started, the irrigation arm will continue irrigating until it reaches a preset stopping location. If, when reaching that location, the moisture sensor is still calling for additional irrigation of the field, a stop override will prevent the irrigation arm from stopping at the preset location and the irrigation arm will continue irrigating at least until it reaches the preset stopping location again.

Abstract: An intermittently operating watering device has a water reservoir for supplying successive flows of water to a pair of receptacles which are separated from one another by a weir. The water also flows into an air space where it covers the lower end of an air passage communicating with an air space at the top of the interior of the water reservoir so that, each time evaporation of the water uncovers the lower end of the air passage to allow the inflow of air, water is able to flow out from the water reservoir to the receptacles. The reservoir is in one of the receptacles and a plant in the other receptacle is irrigated at successive intervals of time.

Abstract: An irrigation device for controlling moisture level in soil utilizing a moisture-sensitive element which mechanically actuates a valve so that availability of water is controlled by the presence or absence or moisture in the soil.

Abstract: A sprinkler system including a controller having a manual data entry device, a processor and a sprinkler controller. Data is entered through the data entry means relating to conditions in each of a number of zones in which sprinkling is to occur with respect to the amount of water needed to be applied to that zone and the soil water infiltration rate. Upon receiving this information, the processor determines for each zone the number of cycles and the length of time in each cycle that water is to be applied not only so that the amount of water applied during each cycle does not exceed the amount of water the soil can absorb during that cycle, but also so that the total amount of water needed by that zone is applied. The processor employs the number of cycles and the length of on time per cycle to organize the cycles for all of the zones, creating an application program.

Abstract: An isolator for electrically isolating an electrostatically charged, electrically conductive coating material supply line from a grounded source of conductive coating material while continuously transferring coating material from the source to the supply line. The isolator includes a receptacle for a charged coating material reservoir and an insulative housing surrounding the charged coating material receptacle. The coating material in the receptacle is fed through an outlet to the supply line for an electrostatic coating device, which is electrostatically charged. Due to the conductive nature of the coating material, the electrostatic potential at the coating device is coupled through the coating material, and the reservoir of coating material in the receptacle is likewise electrostatically charged. The coating material from the grounded coating material source is coupled to a grounded nozzle assembly in a housing which is positioned above the charged coating material receptacle.

Abstract: A rain detector is provided for preventing operation of an irrigation system upon detection of an adjustably selected amount of rainfall. The rain detector is designed for use with an automatic irrigation control system of the type including a clock controller to electrically operate one or more normally closed valves for programmed supply of irrigation water to sprinklers individually or in selected groups. The rain detector comprises a switching circuit connected electrically in series with the sprinkler valves, with the switching circuit including spaced sensors extending for an adjustable depth into a collection tray exposed to rainfall. The switching circuit is normally closed in the absence of rainfall to permit normal programmed operation of the sprinkler valves.

Abstract: A plant watering and/or feeding unit automatically and periodically dispenses water as needed. As assembled, an air tube extends essentially throughout the central length of a selected plastic bottle and beyond the other wise sealed cap entry of this plastic bottle for insertion of the extending, first heat sealed then partially cut opened, air tube end, down through the soil without being blocked by any entering soil, to contact the bottom of the earth filled plant container. A liquid orifice is located in the plastic bottle in its shoulder about midway between the entry and the side of the bottle.During plant watering and/or feeding cycles, liquid drips from the liquid orifice in the shoulder, until the water table in the soil, i.e. the liquid level in the soil, rises above the end of the partially opened air tube to seal off the entry of air. Then the dripping of liquid stops, until this liquid level goes below the end of the partially opened air tube.

Abstract: Irrigation control apparatus includes:(a) a mast having a lower portion adapted to be removably inserted into the earth,(b) soil moisture sensing structure associated with or separate from said lower portion of the mast, and(c) data transmitting apparatus on an upper portion of the mast and operatively connected with said sensing structure for transmitting to a central station data indicative of soil moisture conditions at the location of the mast.

Abstract: An automatic liquid delivery apparatus which employs no moving parts and requires no external source of energy except gravity to operate, dispenses liquid from a constantly available source, which is open to the atmosphere, to a receiver or zone requiring liquid in response to a detector which is located in the zone and initiates discharge of the liquid. The apparatus includes a valve device which retains liquid against discharge from a container or supply by air pressure confined in a space in a passage. The valve device delivers liquid through the passage when air in the space is released by a control device. The control device is a detecting mechanism or other automatic operating element. The detecting mechanism can sense the moisture level in soil, in liquid, in roots growing in moist air, in plant tissues or any other location where moisture differentials can be detected.

Abstract: Apparatus (10) for applying mist or spray to an environment such as one in which plants (11) are growing including a monitoring head (12) arranged in the environment to sense the humidity therein by measurements of temperature and a control device (13) for actuating mist or spray heads (15) to apply mist or spray to the plants (11) in accordance with the humidity sensed by the monitoring head (12).

Abstract: A rain sensor system for controlling irrigation comprises:(a) a heat diffusion sensor having a tip exposed to the atmosphere and characterized in that relatively higher heat loss created by collection of water adjacent the sensor reduces its electrical resistance, and relatively lower heat loss created by absence of such water collection increases the sensor electrical resistance, and(b) circuitry operatively connected with the sensor for controlling an actuator for an irrigation valve.

Abstract: Irrigation control apparatus includes a mast or masts, a soil moisture sensor or sensors associated with a lower portion of each mast, data transmission apparatus associated with an upper portion of each mast to transmit data continuously measured by the sensor, and circuitry to process that transmitted data.

Abstract: Apparatus for aeroponic growth and development of a multiplicity of plants comprising at least one plant development unit including at least one perforate plant support member adapted to secure plants above the root portions thereof and thereby to directly expose substantially all of the root portions thereof to the atmosphere; spraying apparatus for providing a nutrient mist directly to the exposed root portions of the plants; and nutrient collection and recirculation means; and control means for determining the timing of mist provision.

Abstract: An automatic liquid delivery apparatus dispenses liquid from a liquid container or other liquid supply to a receiver or zone requiring liquid in response to a detector which is located in the zone and initiates discharge of the liquid. The liquid is retained against discharge from the container or supply by air pressure in a liquid passage and is discharged upon release of the air through the detector, when liquid is needed in the receiver or zone.The automatic liquid delivery apparatus in a liquid feeding system may be used to supply liquid to growing plants; a detector for each plant or group of plants initiates the dispensing of liquid by a delivery apparatus, each detector sensing the moisture requirements of a particular plant.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatically watering vegetation whereby the water requirement of vegetation is constantly monitored and selectively condensing water vapor out of the atmosphere onto cooled condensation member and collecting the condensed moisture for application onto soil containing vegetation. Various accessories are provided to automatically feed the vegetation and distribute water to the soil containing the vegetation.

Abstract: A solid state, digital control system is disclosed for individually timing and sequentially operating a number of electrically controllable devices such as remote control valves and pumps for irrigation systems. In one embodiment, the digital control system comprises clock circuits (10) which produce at least two pulses, a first or daily pulse produced at the beginning of a day and a second or alarm pulse produced at a preselected time. The daily pulse is counted by a first counter (20) and the alarm pulse is counted by a second counter (22). A plurality of outputs (24) are individually actuated on successive days by first counter (20) and are selectively applied by controllable switches (131-144) to an inhibit input (32) of second counter (22) whenever the sequential operation of the devices is not desired on a particular day. A plurality of output control circuits (38) are individually connected to the outputs (26) of second counter (22) and controlled by the court therein.

Abstract: An automatic water control valve for a lawn sprinkler system for maintaining soil moisture at a preset level. A spring loaded mechanism opens the valve when released by a water sensitive element which monitors the moisture content of the ground area serviced by the sprinkler system. A closing mechanism which is actuated by water flowing through the valve automatically resets the spring loaded opening mechanism and closes the valve after a fixed quantity of water flow.

Abstract: A moisture responsive switch is employed for controlling the operation of a fluid operated sprinkling system or the like. The moisture responsive switch provides adjustable time delay means to prevent sprinkler flutter due to intermittent rain fall. Switch recovery time delay means may be adjusted to simulate irrigation evaporation conditions of local geographical terrain. Signal alarm means are provided that signal during precipitation independently of sprinkler system control by the moisture responsive switch.

Abstract: A matric potential sensor comprises(a) a housing including a porous wall adapted to be located underground,(b) spaced metal plates carried in the housing to be coupled to a source of electrical current, and(c) granular material located to pass electrical current within the housing and between the plates so that the current flow will vary as a function of the moisture content of the granular material, said content adapted to vary as a function of the matric potential of the soil surrounding the housing in response to moisture transmission through the porous housing into the surrounding soil.Special circuitry adapts the sensor for use with a solenoid type irrigation valve controller.

Abstract: An irrigation valve device including a swellable member and a support therefor permitting moisture to reach the swellable member. Part of the support can be buried in the ground to an adjustable extent to vary the amount of moisture reaching the swellable member. The swellable member acts on irrigating water supply means to control the amount of irrigation water in response to the degree of swelling.

Abstract: Periodically, the soil moisture sampler and controller automatically activates in-ground probe(s) to measure the soil moisture. The resulting output signal indicative of the soil moisture is adjusted for soil ambient temperature and compared to a pre-set soil moisture value. When the signal indicates that the soil moisture is less than a pre-set value, an irrigation timer is activated which causes the soil to be irrigated for a preselected time interval.

Abstract: The moisture content of the soil in each of a number of areas is maintained between predetermined wet and dry thresholds by a control having circuits operative in response to detected thresholds through contacts inserted in the soil to effect the opening and closing of a valve in the conduit by which water is delivered to that area. Typically a number of conduits are connected directly or through junctions to a common water supply and where that supply is pump controlled, the control for each conduit includes circuitry that enables a switch in the pump motor circuit to be closed whenever the valve operated by that control is open.

Abstract: An automatic digital system is disclosed for controlling the duration and frequency of application of water to a lawn or the like. The system includes a keyboard to facilitate programming and/or reprogramming of both the duration and frequency of watering and one or more sets of memory circuits are included in the system to store various programs to be utilized. A digital clock controls operation of time control and generating circuitry to provide outputs to comparators along with outputs from the memory circuits to effect the desired control of solenoids establishing the duration and frequency of watering. Each set of memory circuits includes a plurality of watering stations each of which can be individually and sequentially actuated by the control system and each of which stations can have a plurality of sprinkler heads.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are disclosed for controlling the relative humidity of a soil environment at a pre-set value using an enclosed volume of a water-soluble or water-swellable material, said enclosed volume separated from the external environment by a relatively stiff and strong semipermeable membrane and separated from a pressurized irrigation water supply by a water-impermeable constrictable flexible section or diaphragm in the supply line. When the soil is more moist than the pre-set value, intake of water through the membrane causes expansion of the water-swellable material which in turn constricts the flexible section of the water supply line to interrupt the flow of water to the soil. When the soil moisture falls below the pre-set value, egress of water from the water-swellable material releases the constricting force on the flexible section thereby allowing increased flow of water through the flexible section of supply line to the soil.

Abstract: A switching arrangement for the control of an adjustable member such as a valve includes a light sensitive switch. Detection of a particular light value enables a frequency divider to transmit an opening pulse to a valve control circuit a predetermined delay period after the detection of such light value. The frequency of an output signal of a pulse generator is varied in response to the opening pulse and the frequency divider transmits a closing pulse to the control circuit after a second predetermined time period of different duration from the delay period. In one disclosed embodiment, control of the frequency divider is responsive to moisture content of soil as well as ambient light level for application in automatic sprinkler systems.

Abstract: A fluid control system (and controller and moisture sensor therefor) having one or more latching solenoid operated pilot control valves and a master control unit for controlling the valves. The valves utilize a concentric arrangement of the major components thereof, each being coaxially located with respect to a single housing member. The control electronics may be battery operated and may locate with respect to one valve to provide drive signals to control one or more valves in sequence. The control electronics utilizes an oscillator such as a crystal oscillator with a chain of count down flip-flops to provide binary signals up to a period of preferably twenty-four hours or more. A manual selection is provided to select among the longer period signals to control the frequency with which the operating cycle is initiated, with a second manual control being used to select one of the lower frequency signals to control the duration for which each valve will remain open.

Abstract: A hygrometer or hygrostat containing a hygroscopic body formed of wood.

Abstract: Fluid flow control systems for lawn sprinkling flow control systems which include rain override means and continuously available rain alarm signals during rainfall. Provisions are provided to prevent valve flutter during light or intermittent rainfall by means of conventional time delay relays. A novel, simple, and economic hermetically sealed outdoor casing is provided. Use of unique remote transformer plug and cord insures consumer product safety compliance against electrical shock hazzard.