Abstract: A soil moisture detector is disclosed herein for incorporation between a timer controller and an electrical water supply valve. The detector includes a pneumatic diaphragm apparatus whereby a pressure level is maintained or released between a pair of diaphragms in response to a moisture sensing valve buried in the ground. The pneumatic condition of the detector permits the slug of a solenoid valve, responsive to the timing sequence of the timer controller, to open or close a switch for supplying voltage to the water supply valve.

Abstract: An irrigation control apparatus, particularly suited to drop-by-drop irrigation, is provided and which comprises an assembly for electrically controlling the starting and stopping of an irrigation system by means of two electrodes which are spaced both vertically and laterally from each other. A "bulb" of humid soil is produced during irrigation and the upper electrode of the two is laterally off-set with respect to the axis of symmetry of the bulb, by a distance equal to at least half of the maximum radius of the bulb, and is situated at the upper limit of the bulb. The lower electrode of the two is arranged in a diametrically opposite position, at a point laterally off-set with respect to the said axis, but in the inverse sense, also by at least half the maximum radius of the bulb and is situated at the lower limit of the bulb.The precise relative positions of the electrodes are determined by the shape of the bulb which in turn depends on the nature of the soil to be irrigated.

Abstract: This invention relates to a device for providing water to a lawn in accordance with the amount of moisture in the soil. As the soil dries, moisture sensitive switches react to the drying process until, at a preselected degree of dryness, the moisture sensitive switches close an electrical circuit to actuate a water pump and thereby provide water to the lawn.

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.

Abstract: Automated spraying system for misting and cooling vegetation, such as ornamental and food-producing plants, shrubs and crops. A sensor having a moisture evaporation rate similar to the particular vegetation and disposed among it forms part of a circuit that controls application of a cooling mist-like spray of water vapor to the vegetation whenever the moisture level drops below a preselectable value. The spray not only irrigates leaves and roots but also provides protection against damage to the leaves by insects and heat.

Abstract: A water operated control apparatus and method for operating a controlled device is associated with moisture sensing apparatus for sensing the level of moisture available at a location and operating the controlled device in response thereto. Moisture sensing means is disposed at the location and is adapted to selectively pass air therethrough when the level of moisture at the location falls to a predetermined level, or prevent the passage of air therethrough when the level of moisture rises to a predetermined level. A housing is operatively connected to the sensing means and to a supply of water. A diaphragm is disposed in the housing in a manner forming a chamber therein, the interior of the chamber being in fluid communication with air passing through the sensing means.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for drawing, particularly automatic drawing with at least one tubular pen which has a cylindrical body with the writing tubule held in front in the latter, as well as to a drawing instrument, particularly for automatic drawing apparatus.

Abstract: Apparatus for determining in-situ the moisture content of potting soil in a plant receptacle. A pair of metallic electrodes are positioned on opposite sides of a plant receptacle adjacent the interior wall thereof and at a distance from the top of the receptacle which corresponds to the normal root depth of a plant to be contained therein. Each electrode extends externally of the receptacle for electrical connection to one probe lead or terminal of a resistance meter. When a plant is potted with soil in the receptacle, the resistance measured between the terminals is related to the moisture content of the potting soil.