Abstract: Apparatus and method for automatically irrigating and fertilizing a plurality of zones in a lawn and other botanical systems. A conventional underground sprinkler system may be employed having a source of liquefied fertilizer to be inserted into the main water supply or any of the zonal lines when water is being delivered to one of the zones. A clock is used to establish a maximum duration of fertilizer delivery. Normalizing timers are employed to restrict the flow of fertilizer as a fraction of the maximum duration depending on which zone is being irrigated.

Abstract: An impeller is positioned within the flow of a fluid to be used to irrigate an area. The impeller drives a generator, which operates to charge and sustain a storage battery. The battery powers a receiver having an identification code by which the receiver may be addressed to receive commands, such as, for example, to open or close a valve, thereby providing fluid to irrigate an area. By opening the valve, the fluid flow is increased, and more power is generated and stored in the battery. In this way, power is generated automatically for the receiver, which, in turn, controls the fluid flow for irrigation.

Abstract: An automatic watering system for decorative plants which has adjustable timing capabilities for providing periodic, unattended watering of plants. It further includes tubing with branching capability so that complex distribution systems that are unobstrusive and concealable may be constructed. It may have check valves and T-sections with built-in valves to prevent flooding. It has a unique monitoring system that indicates an alarm indication in case of flooding or failure to provide water. The system may be constructed as a low pressure system for small installations or a high pressure system drawing water directly from the water mains.

Abstract: For uniformly coating a substrate with a spray, a stream of liquid falls past a point towards which a plurality of nozzles in a bank are all directed but at different angles. Bursts of atomising gas are sprayed through the respective nozzles in a repeated sequence, such as to cause a repeated sequence of equal durations of spray in a plurality of directions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and apparatus for distributing irrigation water relatively evenly along a furrow. Irrigation water is first advanced down the furrow during an advance phase. In one preferred embodiment, the advance phase comprises a cyclic on/off procedure to cyclically advance the water towards the bottom end of the furrow. After the advance phase has been completed, irrigation water is supplied to the head of the furrow during an infiltration phase which employs a cyclic on/off procedure. The on/off cycles of the infiltration phase are shorter than the on/off cycles of the advance phase, and are repeated a predetermined number of times in order to supply a predetermined amount of irrigation water to the furrow. Apparatus comprising control means for administering such furrow irrigation methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A scheduled fluid control valve which performs a pre-established sequence of flow rates and timing schedules in response to pressure pulses in the controlled fluid. The valve consists of a generally cylindrical housing connected to a source of pressurized fluid and containing circular plates of cylindrical control surfaces coupled to actuating means responsive to the presence of pressurized fluid. The actuating means includes an actuator plate or cylinder, a biasing spring, and a longitudinal shaft or cylinder upon which is incised at least one generally helical groove within which track one or more follower pins. Pressurized fluid causes the actuator plate or cylinder to rotate, following the path defined by the helical groove, resulting in relative movement of the control surfaces whereby the schedule embodied in the relative size and placement of fluid ports through the control surfaces is performed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and apparatus for distributing irrigation water relatively evenly along a furrow. Irrigation water is first advanced down the furrow during an advance phase so as to form a wetted surface at the bottom of the furrow. In one preferred embodiment, the advance phase comprises a cyclic on/off procedure to cyclically advance the wetted surface towards the bottom end of the furrow. After the advance phase has been completed, irrigation water is supplied to the head end of the furrow during an infiltration phase which employs a cyclic on/off procedure. The on/off cycles of the infiltration phase are substantially shorter than the on/off cycles of the advance phase, and are repeated a predetermined number of times in order to supply a predetermined amount of irrigation water to the furrow. Apparatus comprising control means for administering such furrow irrigation methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: The spray valve comprises a cylindrical component having a central passage, which body is slidingly disposed in a widened portion of the valve body. The cross-sectional area of the central passage is smaller than that of the widened portion, so that the cylindrical component is displaced outwardly against the return force of a spring by the flow occuring when the spray valve is opened. A permanent magnet is embedded in the wall of the cylindrical component. In the wall of the valve body surrounding the widened portion thereof there is a blind bore in which a reed contact is inserted. Through the flow of liquid occuring when the spray valve is opened, the magnet is displaced into the field of response of the reed contact, which thus indicates the opening of the spray valve. This spray valve is intended to be utilized in a system for spraying a thawing agent. A plurality of control circuits are disposed along a roadway, one of the spray valves being associated with each control circuit.

Abstract: A hydraulically actuated device is employed as part of a pool cleaning system. An improved structure assembly of a hydraulically actuated core within a housing provides ease of manufacture and assembly. Graded control of the application of pressure and the flow of fluid through the system is provided so that the hydraulic device is actuated in a relatively gradual and graded manner to overcome the deleterious effects of abrupt actuation of such devices and the resultant water hammer, pressure surges which are generated in such abruptly operated systems. Improved jet orifices enclosed within the hydraulically actuated cylinder of the device provide for more efficient disturbance of sediments on the interior surfaces of the pool in the immediate vicinities of the hydraulically actuated devices.

Abstract: A cleaning head for installation in the bottom surface of a swimming pool includes a rotary pop-up jet producing element having a hollow cylindrical lower section open at its bottom and an enlarged cylindrical hollow upper section closed at its top. An outlet opening is disposed in a vertical cylindrical wall of the upper section. A camming pin extending from the vertical cylindrical wall of the lower section engages opposed, staggered upper and lower saw-tooth-like camming surfaces disposed along an inner cylindrical wall of a stationary section of the cleaning head. The stationary section of the cleaning head sealably engages with a housing installed in the bottom surface of the swimming pool and is sealably coupled to an intermittent high pressure water supply.

Abstract: A water pressure controlled indexing means for an irrigation sprinkler system in which a plurality of pilot valves, each operating an associated sprinkler or group of sprinklers is provided, has a ratchet wheel including a plurality of ratchet teeth and which is associated with one of the pilot valves to control pilot valve operation in response to ratchet position of rotation, a pawl positioned by mounting means advancing the ratchet wheel tooth by tooth increments of advancement, water pressure responsive means for moving the pawl in a forward stroke and spring biasing means for normally moving the pawl in a return stroke of a given amount when system pressure is lowered a predetermined amount which is above a given value, a tooth gap provided on the ratchet wheel for defeating continued rotation thereof while said pawl is continued in driving strokes in response to system pressure drops above said given value and override means including an additional spring means normally holding the pawl against an overr

Abstract: Apparatus for intermittently directing one or more streams of water across the inner surface of a swimming pool structure for cleaning the surface. A cylindrical retractable nozzle head actuated by fluid pressure moves to an active, extended position to expose nozzle passages therein when water under pressure is applied thereto. The nozzle passages are formed in diametrically and symmetrically disposed thickened wall regions of the nozzle head to provide a nozzle head that is balanced about its longitudinal axis. In certain embodiments of the invention, a pair of nozzle passages are formed in the thickened regions and some or all of the passages have destructible membranes blocking communication with the interior of the nozzle head, which membranes may be selectively drilled out at the time of installation of the apparatus. The nozzle head, which is preferably molded from plastic material, may contain a weight member for additional balance and to assist in retraction of the head to its inactive position.

Abstract: Spray paint lines, in particular the spray sites in spray booths of auto assembly lines, are provided with the paint material by means of a pump delivering the paint material into the main ring. The pressure level required for spraying the paint is adjusted by means of a pressurized vessel and a pressurized gas above the liquid level. A second pump conveys fresh paint material into the pressurized vessel.

Abstract: An anti-siphon, selector valve for directing fluid into one of a plurality of lines. The valve includes a valve body having an input port and a plurality of output ports and a U-shaped conduit mounted on the valve body and selectively connectable between the input port and one of the output ports. The valve further includes an anti-siphon valve assembly mounted in the U-shaped conduit for venting the output port and the lines to which it is connected to the atmosphere.

Abstract: A cleaning head for installation in the bottom surface of a swimming pool includes a rotary pop-up jet producing element having a hollow cylindrical lower section open at its bottom and an enlarged cylindrical hollow upper section closed at its top. An outlet opening is disposed in a vertical cylindrical wall of the upper section. A camming pin extending from the vertical cylindrical wall of the lower section engages opposed, staggered upper and lower sawtooth-like camming surfaces disposed along an inner cylindrical wall of a stationary section of the cleaning head. The stationary section of the cleaning head sealably engages with a housing installed in the bottom surface of the swimming pool and is sealably coupled to an intermittent high pressure water supply.

Abstract: An irrigation system and method is disclosed having a water supply source for providing water under pressure to a plurality of dispensing devices located at spaced locations. The irrigation system and method comprises a distribution conduit grid in fluid communication with the water supply source and defining a closed conduit loop, thereby providing water flow upon demand within the distribution conduit in more than one direction. The distribution conduit grid is composed of arterial members formed in a closed conduit loop for supplying water to a plurality of dispensing conduit members, each dispensing conduit member having its ends interconnected between two spaced locations on the arterial conduit members, thereby providing water flow into the dispensing conduit members from more than one direction. The dispensing devices are mounted on the dispensing conduit members in water supply relation. The dispensing devices are operated between open and closed positions by a water operated pilot valve.

Abstract: A gated irrigation pipe is operated by a pneumatic control system which automatically opens and closes the gates. Each gate is slidable along the pipe surface and is coupled to a pair of parallel air conduits extending longitudinally along the pipe. The conduits are connected midway between their ends to a common movable pneumatic cylinder which receives therein a piston fixed to the exterior of the pipe. The conduits communicate with opposite ends of the cylinder, and serve as both an air line to the cylinder and an operating linkage which opens and closes the gates and which will not cause damage to the gates in response to differentials of expansion and contraction. A plurality of pipes thus equipped are serially connected to form an irrigation pipeline and the air conduits are interconnected at the pipe joints by flexible hose couplings which may be preset any time during each watering interval.

Abstract: A plug body is moved through a duct system by a pressure differential across the plug body. Cooperating members between the duct system and plug body retain the plug body at a number of different locations. The plug body is released from each of such locations by increasing the pressure differential across the plug body.

Abstract: A lawn sprinkler system has a plurality of sprinkler heads connected to a common water supply line. The sprinkling or irrigation, the rate of rotation and the contour of the area sprinkled all are controlled at each sprinkler head. A timer valve associated with a manually adjustable control setting regulates the sprinkling cycle at each head in response to rotation of the head, following which water is bypassed to the next sprinkler head in succession. Further, each sprinkler head contains a rotatable nozzle assembly which is adjustable to provide a spray pattern which will conform to different contours or areas to be sprinkled by each head independently of the other heads in the line in such a way as to afford the greatest possible water efficiency.

Abstract: A valve having a translatable annular slot communicates with discretely shaped and judiciously located elongated, variable width slots for metering fuel to individual fuel nozzles in a burner of a jet engine without changing the fuel scheduling characteristics of the fuel control. The valve can have sequential lighting capabilities in the event that the burner is designed with this feature.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a method and apparatus for swimming pool cleaning incorporating intermittent pop-up jet rotated nozzles; the nozzles being adapted to intermittently rotate and project cleaning jets of water adjacent said inner surface. The nozzles each have eccentrically positioned tangential water outlets forming jet outlet passages; the nozzles are vertically reciprocal and are rotatably mounted in housings having stop means such that when they are hydraulically energized by water under pressure in the housings, the nozzles emerge from the upper ends of the housings and cause jet reaction rotation thereof during upward movement which is arrested by the stop means in the housing. The housing includes a bore with clearance around the nozzle so as to provide a water bearing around the nozzle during its upward and rotative movement.

Abstract: A duct system is provided with a pair of branch conduits each having a differential pressure operated valve. Two sets of pressure ducts are connected to the duct system and a plug member is caused to shuttle back and forth, in controlled fashion to expose one or the other sets of pressure ducts to high internal fluid pressure. Each set of pressure ducts is connected so that valve-closing operation is effected for one valve and valve-opening operation is effected for the other valve in response to high internal fluid pressure in such ducts, so that the plug will cause one valve to be open when it is held in a position between the two sets of ducts until it is released to move beyond both sets of ducts thereby to cause said one valve to close, and vice versa.

Abstract: An apparatus for the hydroautomatic sprinkling of land areas with hydrants which rise and lower which comprises a cylinder whose piston is displaceable by the water from one pipeline through either a long stroke or a short stroke depending upon the engagement of a guide with a selected groove in the piston to open a gate permitting water from this line to pass into a selected one of a group of hydrants, to drive the sprinkler upwardly and permit sprinkling. When pressure from another line is admitted to the opposite side of the cylinder the gate is closed.

Abstract: A cleaning head system for use on the bottom of swimming pools includes a rotating nozzle opening formed by a curved elastic strip disposed in an annular region formed by substantially coextensive annular grooves, the elastic strip having concentric inner and outer edges, respectively. Water forced at high pressure into the annular region past the inner edges forces the elastic strip against the respective outer edges. The distance between the first and second ends of the elastic strip forms the nozzle opening through which a high velocity stream of water is forced. A plurality of stops are disposed in spaced relationship along the inner edges. The first end of the elastic strip has a tab for engaging the stops when water pressure is released, as the curvature of the elastic strip causes it to relax, forcing the first end inwardly against the inner edges. The continued action of the relaxing of the elastic strip and the engaging of the first end cause the second end to advance.

Abstract: A drip irrigation system for agriculture comprises a plurality of water distribution lines extending across a field or similar area for growing crops. The lines are arranged in at least two separate groups, and the lines in each of the groups are interconnected. A source of pressurized, substantially unfiltered water is selectively communicated with the lines, and a plurality of water emitters are connected with and spaced along each of the lines for discharging water into the soil. Each emitter has an orifice sized to generally allow foreign material in the unfiltered water to pass therethrough. A water distributor has an inlet portion connected with the water source, and at least two outlet ports each connected with an associated one of the water line groups.

Abstract: Gutter cleaning apparatus is disclosed comprising a housing having a first and second opening therein for delivering fluid under pressure into a rain gutter mounted on a building. The openings are diametrically opposed and the flow of fluid through the openings is controlled by a valve that alternately opens one opening and closes the other. The valve is controlled by increasing and decreasing the fluid pressure in the housing. When fluid pressure is at a pre-determined lower level, the valve is in a neutral position between the two openings. A stream deflector plate extends from the bottom of the valve and depending on which direction the deflector plate is positioned, increasing the pressure in the housing will cause the valve to move into one of the openings. Once the valve is positioned in one of the openings the direction of the stream deflector plate is changed since it is mounted on the valve in a manner so as to engage the housing when the valve is closing one of the openings.

Abstract: A valve comprises a steppable counting mechanism stepped with each new application of pressurized fluid to its inlet and effective to cause the valve member to open (or close) after the counting mechanism has been stepped a predetermined number of times, whereby the valve may be opened (or closed) by merely controlling the number of times pressurized fluid is applied to the valve inlet. The steppable counting mechanism includes a pair of nestable cup-shaped members in which the inner one is fixed to the housing and the outer one is rotatably coupled to a valve member within the housing which is reciprocated with each application of pressurized fluid to the housing inlet.

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: The valve of this invention connects a source of water sequentially to separate outlet connections. A piston is moved by the water pressure through a forward stroke which determines the duration of the existing connection. The duration is adjustable by a throttle (one corresponding to each connection) which regulates the speed at which fluid is discharged by the piston. At the end of the timing stroke the piston indexes itself to a new position, moving likewise two selector valve discs, one to make a new outlet connection for the water supply and one to select the corresponding throttle for timing. Also a cycle control valve opens at the end of the timing stroke to let a return spring move the piston through a return stroke.

Abstract: A timer device is connected into the water supply hose of an automatic swimming pool cleaner to control the flow of water to the drive jets. The controlled flow varies over the range of full, restricted and minimum or no flow so that the speed of the cleaner may be varied. The timer device includes a bypass outlet which serves as another pool cleaning jet when the drive jets are turned off and which also serves to bodily move the timer device and to impart an axial shifting movement to the supply hose whereby the cleaner may be moved free of a trapped position before the next cycle of drive jet operation commences.

Abstract: A system for distributing a piped fluid uses a plurality of valves arranged along a fluid conduit. The valves are successively opened for a selected period of time by a plug element inserted in the conduit and carried by the fluid. The plug element engages the valves and opens each valve in response to fluid pressure. In a preferred embodiment, the plug element upon completion of a circuit through the conduit automatically reverses the direction of fluid flow. There is also disclosed a sprinkler head for use in connection with the distribution system.

Abstract: An irrigation control system for selectively irrigating remote zones of an area to be irrigated, wherein each zone has an electromagnetically operated control valve, and a centrally located control box is provided having a zone selector switch, a power control switch for controlling the supply of power to the system, a power indicator light, a replaceable fuse, a valve reset button, and a simple and economical control circuit therefor.

Abstract: An automatic plant water arrangement having one water intake and several water outflows which are preceded by valves. The valves are actuated by a time-controlled mechanism, and are individually adjustable for different opening cycles. The time-controlled mechanism has a synchronous motor with a gear reduction unit, a single-tooth wheel and a mating gear with attached valve actuating disk. The valve actuation disk is provided with teeth, part of which are fixed and part of which are movable for opening the valve. A segment-shaped cam disk is located underneath the valve actuating disk, and is controlled by gears so that it pivots one of the movable teeth every sixth day into the valve engagement region. The teeth, after leaving the region are returned by springs to their initial positions.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for sensing moisture by exposing water in a container to the atmosphere, sensing changes in the volume of the exposed water due to ambient weather conditions, controlling an electrical signal related to the sensed change and controlling the operation of an irrigation system, such as a plurality of solenoid-actuated pilot valves associated with sprinklers of the irrigation system, in response to the signal.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for dispersing a fluid in an area is disclosed in which the dispersion of the fluid is proportionate to the wind velocity of the area, the fluid is placed in a plurality of aerosol containers, and the fluid is dispersed through a plurality of nozzles of a plurality of pre-determined sizes.

Abstract: A headlamp cleaning assembly of the type for cleaning vehicle headlamps and including first and second nozzles for jetting an air/liquid mixture against a headlight surface. A regulator means is included for mixing air and liquid and for sequentially supplying the resultant air/liquid mixture to the first nozzle for a first period of time and then to the second nozzle for a second period of time to complete one cycle. The regulator includes a piston slidably disposed in a cavity to define an air/liquid mixing chamber which is opposed by a liquid charging chamber. The piston also defines an air actuation chamber which, when supplied air, moves the piston from a start position to a charged position to charge by filling the charging chamber with liquid. A stem is connected to and extends upwardly from the piston and is slidably disposed in a stem chamber for actuating an air valve which, in turn, allows pressurized air to flow into the stem chamber.

Abstract: The invention concerns the provision, for use in a pressurized water supply system including a main valve body, of an easily installable flow controller which derives energy for its operation from a dry cell battery. The controller is adapted to be mounted on the valve body and is operable to cycle the movement of the main valve at predetermined time intervals.

Abstract: A battery operated fluid control system, which may be used in a sprinkler stem having a master valve unit with a battery operated electronic clock therein for periodically opening the valve for a preset duration in response to the clock turn-on pulse, and being operable with one or more slave valve units connected in series to sequentially open the slave valves for their corresponding preset time duration. The clock is comprised of an oscillator having a plurality of countdown flip-flops, with the clock turn-on pulse being selectable from the outputs of a group of the lower flip-flops to give a selection of valve turn-on intervals. A battery operated solenoid valve of the latching type and associated circuitry is located in the master valve unit and each of the slave valve units, with the circuitry being adapted to receive a pulse, either from the clock or from the turn-off signal of the previous valve unit, and to provide a turn-on pulse to the solenoid.

Abstract: A valve for water sprinklers and the like, with an inlet and first and second outlets, has a hinged clapper biased to close the second outlet but held closing the first outlet by a dosing device after delivery of a given volume of liquid through the first outlet. The dosing device includes a chamber communicating with the inlet via a flow regulator. Filling of the chamber with liquid moves a piston extended by a rod cooperating with the clapper.

Abstract: A lawn sprinkling installation has a series of dosing valves arranged in cascade to each successively deliver a set quantity of water to a sprinkler. Each dosing valve has a hinged clapper biased to normally open a first outlet leading to the sprinkler and close a second outlet connected to the inlet of the successive dosing valve. Volumetric dosing means hold each clapper to close the first outlet and open the second after delivery of a regulated quantity of water and hold the clapper as long as the water pressure is maintained. When the last dosing valve shuts off supply to the last sprinkler, a gate valve supplying the first dosing valve is automatically or manually closed to allow water in the pipes joining the dosing valves to drain through a discharge orifice, thus enabling automatic resetting of the clappers.

Abstract: An electrically controlled liquid distribution system for irrigation and the like comprises a central sequencing control station for controlling a remote valve station. The valve station provides local fault-sensing feedback control over actuation current supplied to a remote control valve therein. Conductor means, preferably comprising a single pair of conductors, connect the central station to the remote valve station. In one embodiment, the feedback control results in a change in current level flowing in the conductors after the remote control valve opens, and circuitry in the central station detects this change in current level to control an indicator.

Abstract: Briefly the invention comprises a rotary sprayer useful for cleaning circular dies. The rotary sprayer comprises a pair of rotary unions each including a base portion, a cylinder portion upraised therefrom and a hollow rotor portion rotatingly mounted in said cylinder portion thereof, said unions being positioned with their bases in opposed adjacent relation. A pair of hollow spray arms, the hollow portions of which each communicate with the hollow portion of one of said rotors, each of said spray arms ending in a nozzle also form a part of the invention. A pair of passages, one through the cylinder portion of each of said unions, said passages each communicating with the hollow portion of the respective rotor form another part of the rotary sprayer of the invention. Also part of the invention are means for supplying a pressurized gas to each of said passages or a pressurized liquid to each of said passages and means for preventing simultaneous supply of air and liquid to each of said passages.