Abstract: A method of operating an irrigation system is provided and includes coupling one or more lateral driplines to a main irrigation line, dividing each lateral dripline into zones and providing each lateral dripline with a plurality of replaceable emitters at each zone, disposing a plurality of controllable valves along each of the one or more lateral driplines at zone borders and actuating each one of the plurality of controllable valves to thereby activate corresponding emitters in the associated zone.

Abstract: An irrigation system is provided and includes a main irrigation line, one or more lateral driplines, each lateral dripline being divided into zones and including a plurality of emitters at each zone and a plurality of controllable valves disposed along each of the one or more lateral driplines at zone borders. Each one of the plurality of controllable valves is actuatable to activate corresponding emitters in the associated zone in a zone by zone cycle and each one of the plurality of emitters is replaceable to vary an amount of deliverable fluid by the zone by zone cycle.

Abstract: A feed aerosol comprising detectable particles is injected into a mix-enhancing swirler. Diluting gas is also injected into the mix-enhancing swirler and mixed with the feed aerosol in a swirling motion to form an aerosol with a particle concentration no greater than 1,000 particles per liter. The aerosol is then injected into a mixing chamber, where the aerosol is mixed and dried; the inner diameter of the mixing chamber is at least twice as great as that of the swirl chamber. The aerosol is then emitted through a flow straightener that removes swirl from the flow of the aerosol and passed through a delivery conduit, where the particles are detected and counted; and the particle count is compared with a target count. The respective flows of feed aerosol and diluting gas can then be increased or decreased based on a comparison of the particle count with the target count.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of controlling a smoke generator. The smoke generator is adapted to be connected to a supply of a pressurized gas and a supply of a smoke liquid and further comprises a valve to regulate the pressure of the gas, a fluid driving means, a mixing unit for mixing the smoke liquid and the gas, and a heat exchanger heating the mixture of the pressurized gas and the smoke liquid to vaporize the smoke liquid and form a smoke upon ejection into surrounding air. The control method according to the invention then comprises the steps of receiving a smoke density parameter indicative of a desired amount of smoke to be generated by the smoke generator, measuring a gas pressure at a position between the valve and the heat exchanger, and using these parameters in controlling the valve. The invention further relates to a smoke generator arranged for performing the control method.

Abstract: A communicable drip irrigator including a housing formed with a fluid inlet for receiving irrigation fluid and a fluid outlet for emitting irrigation fluid, and a flow meter associated with the fluid inlet and/or the fluid outlet, configured for obtaining flow data. The irrigator also includes a communication unit associated with the flow meter and configured for providing to a controller, data regarding operation of the drip irrigator, the data including at least the flow data.

Abstract: Provided is an air conditioner for an automobile capable of having uniform perfume performance in a width direction of the automobile by discharging air mixed with a perfume component supplied from a perfume generating unit through a discharging part.

Abstract: A device (200) for generating an aerosol cloud, the device (200) comprising: a body (210) defining an inner cavity, an outer surface, and an opening (213) extending between the inner cavity of the body (210) and the outer surface; at least one ultrasonic element (220) operable to aerosolize a liquid disposed in the inner cavity; and at least one sensor (226) associated with the at least one ultrasonic element (220).

Abstract: An agricultural sprayer spray head is adapted for being mounted to a spray boom together with a plurality of like, equally spaced spray heads. Each spray head includes a body containing a flow control member mounted for rotation about an axis and including a fluid control passage arrangement located for effecting an intermittent connection between a fluid inlet leading to, and an outlet leading from the body as the control member is oscillated or rotated by a powered motor so as to effect a pulsing flow through said control passage arrangement. The powered motor operates at a speed controlled by various input parameters including vehicle speed and field and crop conditions so as to maintain a desired spray application rate.

Abstract: A target supply device may include a reservoir configured to hold a target material in its interior in liquid form, a vibrating element configured to apply vibrations to the reservoir, a target sensor configured to detect droplets of the target material outputted from the reservoir, a control unit configured to set parameters based on a result of the detection performed by the target sensor, a function generator configured to generate an electrical signal having a waveform based on the parameters, and a power source configured to apply a driving voltage to the vibrating element in accordance with the electrical signal.

Abstract: A system for agricultural spraying including a solution reservoir and primary pump for delivering fluid to a plurality of laterally spaced nozzles interconnected by supply conduits. A chemical reservoir and chemical injection pump are interconnected to the output of the primary pump through a mixer. Controllers for the primary pump and chemical injection pump are coordinated to run the pumps a predetermined time to fill each of the supply conduits from the chemical injection pump and primary pump so as to automatically prime the injection system.

Abstract: A water spraying system includes an engine, a pump driven by the engine, the pump including a pump inlet configured to be fluidly coupled to a water source and a pump outlet providing water at an increased water pressure, a sprayer fluidly coupled to the pump outlet, the sprayer including a flow restriction valve, a trigger for operating the flow restriction valve, and a wireless transmitter configured to transmit a wireless start signal indicating release of the flow restriction valve, a wireless receiver, and a controller coupled to the wireless receiver, wherein the wireless receiver receives the wireless start signal from the wireless transmitter and in response the controller activates the pump by starting the engine.

Abstract: A spraying device (10) is described, the device comprising a housing (12) adapted to receive a refill (16) of fluid therein and having an aperture (14) suitable for permitting, in use, the spraying of a fluid therethrough, the device further comprising actuation means (24) configured for periodic actuation of the refill, wherein the device is provided with detection means (26) configured to distinguish between at least one area of lower reflectance and at least one area of relatively higher reflectance on a spray head of said refill. Methods of operation of such a spraying device are also described.

Abstract: A method and system of providing a mist in a grocery display that injects biocidal solution into a misting line of water during a phase of the misting cycle.

Abstract: A water spraying system includes an engine, a pump driven by the engine, the pump including a pump inlet configured to be fluidly coupled to a water source and a pump outlet providing water at an increased water pressure, a sprayer fluidly coupled to the pump outlet, the sprayer including a flow restriction valve and a trigger for manipulating the flow restriction valve so that movement of the trigger selectively opens and closes the flow restriction valve, a flow sensor configured to sense a flow of water into the pump, and a controller coupled to the flow sensor. The controller is configured to turn off the engine following a set time period of sensed flow below a threshold flow.

Abstract: The invention relates to an injection device (1), designed in particular for injecting fluid into an exhaust tract of an internal combustion engine, having a valve needle (14), an injection chamber (12) having at least one injection opening (44), and a control chamber (20). The injection device (1) is designed such that a pressure differential between the injection chamber (12) and the control chamber (20) brings about a displacement of the valve needle (14) between an open position in which a fluid flow through the injection opening (44) from the injection chamber (12) is released, and a closed position, in which the injection opening (44) is closed off.

Abstract: Several embodiments provide wireless extensions to an irrigation controller system and related methods of use, as well as other improvements to irrigation control equipment. In one implementation, an irrigation control system includes a transmitter unit including a controller and having a connector to be coupled to an irrigation controller having station actuation output connectors. The controller is configured to receive an indication that the irrigation controller has activated an irrigation station, and is also configured to cause the transmitter unit to transmit a wireless activation signal responsive to the indication. A receiver unit is coupled to an actuator coupled to an actuatable device, such as an irrigation valve, the actuator configured to actuate the irrigation valve to control the flow of water therethrough. The receiver unit receives the wireless activation signal and in response, causes the actuator to actuate the actuatable device.

Abstract: An environment providing device having a test chamber; a spraying device for receiving the supply of a gas flow to spray, into the test chamber, a fluid that contains particles; a flow meter for measuring a measured value for the flow rate of the gas flow that is supplied to the spraying device; a flow rate controlling device for controlling to a prescribed value, based on the measured value, the flow rate of the gas flow that is supplied to the spraying device; a timer for measuring a time interval over which the fluid that includes the particles has been sprayed into the test chamber; and a spraying-device-controlling device for stopping the spraying of the fluid that contains the particles after spraying a prescribed quantity of particles into the test chamber.

Abstract: A pull-out wand is disclosed for use with a water delivery device. The pull-out wand may include one or more sensors, such as a touch sensor and/or a proximity sensor.

Abstract: Methods, systems and apparatus for optimizing consumption of one or more resources are presented. For example, a method may be implemented on a processor device and includes obtaining user preferences for the consumption of resources that include water and electricity, predicting the consumption of, and a first metric for the consumption of, the resources for each of a plurality of first time periods, determining a projected second metric for the consumption of the resources during a second time period according to the predicted consumption and the predicted first metric, and optimizing the consumption of the resources according to the projected second metric and the user preferences. The second time period includes the plurality of first time periods. The first metric is associated with the user preferences and at least one of the plurality of first time periods. The second metric indicates full or partial projected attainment of the preferences during the second time period.

Abstract: A liquid management system comprising a first chamber that has a first boundary wall, and a second chamber that has a second boundary wall. The second chamber has a base surrounded by the second boundary wall and the second boundary wall is within the first boundary wall. The second boundary wall height is lower than the first boundary wall height. The liquid management system also comprises a liquid level control module for controlling i) a first level of the liquid within the first chamber, and ii) a second level of the liquid within the second chamber.

Abstract: The invention concerns a coating plant for the coating of construction units with a coating medium, in particular a paint system for the lacquer finish of motor vehicle body parts, with a dosing pump, the coating medium supplied with a certain delivery (Fm) proportioned, and a pressure control valve arranged upstream before the dosing pump to adjust a coating medium pressure (p v) at the entrance of the dosing pump, as well as a control unit to adjust the pressure control valve a controlled variable of the pressure difference (?p) through the dosing pump independently of the delivery of the dosing pump and the changing viscosity of the lacquers to an essentially constant desired value (?pTARGET).

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an intelligent water management irrigation system for monitoring the total water usage for a billing site and preventing cumulative water usage from exceeding a water budget by adjusting the amount of water used for irrigation. Irrigation zone priority values are selected for each irrigation zone that specify a percentage of the full water need that the foliage in the zone can survive and are saved in an intelligent water management irrigation (IWMI) controller. The IWMI controller receives water usage information originating from a property's water meter and compares the measured water usage with the allowable water budget. Water usage is tracked separately for the household use and landscape use (irrigation). Prior to each irrigation cycle, the IWMI controller estimates the amount of water that will be needed by the landscape and for household use during the remainder of a billing cycle; household use is given precedence over landscape use.

Abstract: A water dispensing device that is so small it fits on a kitchen countertop that provides very accurate measurements of water by using a pressure regulator on water coming in from a typical kitchen water faucet and then using a timer in order to better control the amount of fluid dispensed. In an alternative embodiment, the timer is eliminated and replaced with a flowmeter. The water dispensing device has an interactive panel to allow a user to input how much water to dispense, or to pre-set the device to dispense a specific amount of water at a specific time of day. It is contemplated that this system would be a convenient way to accurately dispense the exact amount of water to fill a particular user's favorite coffee mug, or to assist a small volume baker in quickly and accurately getting just the right of water for a baking recipe, where accuracy is critical.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for continuously delivering and non-intermittently introducing a liquid into a main flow. An exemplary apparatus includes a supply line, a delivery line, a delivery device for delivering a mass flow of the liquid from the supply line to the delivery line, and at least one atomizing element communicating with the delivery line. A branch line which branches off from the delivery line can be arranged in the delivery direction downstream of the delivery device and upstream of the atomizing element, at least one changeover and/or regulating member for shutting off and/or throttling the branch line being arranged in combination with the branch line.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating particulate material has a process chamber for receiving and treating the material. A bottom is composed of a plurality of overlapping guide plates which are placed one above the other and between which annular slots for process air to pass through are formed. An annular-gap nozzle is arranged centrally in the bottom, the orifice of this annular-gap nozzle being designed in such a way that a planar spray pancake which runs approximately parallel to the bottom plane can be sprayed.

Abstract: A device (30) for nebulizing a liquid includes a nebulization head (40) having a capillary tube (40-1) and a nozzle (40-2) for ejecting a liquid (43), a liquid supply tank (42) for supplying the nebulization head with liquid (43), a vibrator (44) for vibration driving the nebulization head so that it ejects droplets of liquid in a nebulization jet. The device (30) further includes a pressure regulator for applying to the liquid at the inlet to the nebulization head (40), during nebulization cycles, a pressure greater than a first pressure threshold above which the liquid flows through the nebulization head when the head is not vibration driven, and lower than a second pressure threshold above which the liquid flows through the nebulization head when the head is vibration driven. Advantages of the device include increase in the nebulization flow rate and low sensitivity to changes in trim and to vibrations.

Abstract: A method automatically adjusts the amount of water supplied by a water timer having a user interface and a controller programmed to provide control signals for controlling water flow control devices. The time of day on a base day is chosen, and a base ambient temperature and a base ambient humidity are sensed. Base ambient temperature and humidity signals are provided to the controller. The current ambient temperature and humidity are subsequently sensed and corresponding signals are provided to the controller on at least one day following the base day at a time corresponding to the chosen time of day. Control signals are modified, thereby modifying watering amounts, according to the base and current ambient temperature and humidity signals.

Abstract: A system for automatically controlling a pumping unit used in fire suppression comprises a pumping unit, a water flow sensor and a pump controller. The pumping unit has a pump with a suction inlet configured to receive water from an upstream pumping unit and an engine to run the pump. The water flow sensor senses water flow into the suction inlet of the pumping unit. The pump controller receives a water flow sensor signal from the water flow sensor and controls an on/off state of the engine based on the water flow sensor signal.

Abstract: The present invention provides an advanced spray control system for controlling a sprayer, which comprises a controller, a plurality of sensors and feedback means, and an output means for controlling the application system of the sprayer. The controller receives inputs from the operator through a user interface, and/or various feedback signals from the sensors of the system (e.g., a flow meter, or a pressure transducer). After processing these inputs, the controller sends signals to other components of the sprayer, such as, the pump, the storage means, the boom sections, and/or the nozzles, to maintain or change their operating conditions. Also provided are a method of controlling a sprayer using the spray control system and a sprayer comprising the spray control system of the present invention.

Abstract: A spray coating apparatus comprises a spray gun (12) operable to deposit a sprayed coating via a spray nozzle (18) onto a surface, a mapping means (22) associated with the spray gun (12) operable to ascertain and store topographical characteristics of the surface, a position sensor (28) operable to ascertain the position of the spray gun (12) relative to the surface, a coating thickness monitor (26) operable to ascertain the thickness of a coating applied to the surface, and a nozzle control means (24) operable to control the deposition of the sprayed coating, wherein the nozzle control means (24), in use, control the deposition of the sprayed coating in response to information provided by the position sensor (28), the coating thickness monitor (26) and the mapping means (22).

Abstract: A system and method are provided for selectively dosing and dispensing a predetermined liquid material in and from a pre-dispensing measuring sight glass container vessel, wherein a housing is disposed to receive a pressurized fluid stream, to provide an intermediate measurement and storage vessel for the liquid material and to provide a selectively operable valve assembly that is disposed in a flow path defined in the housing. The housing includes an inlet, an outlet, and an intermediate portion extending therebetween, which is formed with an admission port for admitting the predetermined liquid material. The valve assembly is disposed between the housing's inlet and outlet, and may be selectively operated to fill the sight glass container from the source container; or, to dispense the liquid material from the sight glass container; or, to clean the sight glass container; or, to just provide a flow of the pressurized fluid without any liquid material.

Abstract: A cleaning and releasing device has a hand valve provided on a flow passage of a pressurized liquid in the vicinity of an injection nozzle, a switching valve 5 provided in a proper position on the flow passage of a pressurized gas, flow detecting means provided in a proper position on the flow passage of the pressurized liquid, and a controller for controlling the switching operation of the switching valve based on a result of detection transmitted from the flow detecting means, and controls the switching valve to supply and stop the pressurized gas depending on the presence of a flow of the liquid generated by the switching operation of the hand valve. The supply and stop of a powder and granular material may be controlled based on the result of detection transmitted from the flow detecting means.

Abstract: The invention relates to fire-fighting installation comprising a drive source for feeding medium into at least one heat releasing spray head (4), the drive source comprising a pump unit (5) for feeding liquid into said spray head through a supply line (3) which is filled with gas to a standby pressure, a gas source (9) for maintaining the standby pressure, and a sensor (2) arranged to provide a signal for starting the pump unit in response to a change occurring in the state of the medium in the supply line. In order to rapidly start the pump unit (5) of the drive source as a result of a minor flow occurring in the supply line (3) and in order for the fire-fighting installation to be applicable to be used at low temperatures, the sensor is a flow transducer (2) arranged to provide a signal to the pump unit (5), if the flow of gas in said portion of the supply line exceeds a certain predetermined value.

Abstract: An irrigation system (10) includes one or more alignment guides (38) and an irrigation unit (20). The irrigation unit (20) directs irrigation fluid (19) to at least a portion of an irrigation region (30). The irrigation unit (20) includes a nozzle (220), a sensor (260) that senses a change in position of a portion of the irrigation unit (20) relative to the alignment guides (38), and a unit control system (240). The sensor (260) can be an infrared sensor. The unit control system (240) receives information from the sensor (260) regarding the change in position and adjusts a flow rate of irrigation fluid (19) through the nozzle (220) and/or a position of the nozzle (220) relative to the alignment guides (38). The alignment guides (38) can be formed from a heat absorbing material that is sensed by the sensor (260).

Abstract: A fire fighting vehicle of the type having a system for introducing a liquid foam concentrate into a water delivery hose so that the percentage concentration of foamant in the mixture remains at a predetermined set value irrespective of variations in the water flow rate. The improvement provided involves the addition of an AutoStart feature whereby upon application of power to the foam control system, the system comes up in an on mode without the need for human intervention.

Abstract: Sink spray head with supply jet variation and flow rate regulation, comprising a body defining at least two distinct water supply areas in communication with a distribution chamber controlled by a diverting cut-off driven by means of two distinct selection keys accessible outside the body, a cut-off being also provided for the regulation of the water flow rate. The keys are operatively connected to the regulation cut-off.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of use are disclosed for cooling one or more exercising or resting individuals with a water mist while automatically preventing the undesirable accumulation of excess water. In some embodiments, a sensor detects accumulated water on or near an individual, while other embodiments use measured climate parameters to predict water accumulation. The apparatus can be free standing, fixed to the walls or ceiling, or attached to an object on which an individual is resting or exercising. In some preferred embodiments, the apparatus is controlled according to the passing of time and/or one or more measured physiological parameters measured by sensors directed toward or attached to an individual, or embedded in an object on which an individual is resting or exercising. In some embodiments dry air is also applied either simultaneously or alternately with the mist to enhance cooling and further discourage water accumulation.

Abstract: A collector ring for use with a center pivot irrigation system which permits the mounting of a communication device above the span structure. The collector ring also includes a monitoring device which senses the angle or rotation of the span structure with respect to the fixed center pivot structure.

Abstract: A mist-generating device that can be connected to a vehicle's Low Direct Current Voltage (LDCV) power supply is disclosed. The device can be used to treat mold, bacteria and clean or remove odors on exposed and hard-to-reach surfaces of the interior of a car. The device can include a unique filling system that can be used to prevent foreign materials from entering into the unit, including fluids or substances that would deteriorate the performance of the unit or the components of the device itself. The inside of the device can include an internal anti-foam and anti-splash structure designed to keep electronic components dry and reduce the foaming and turbulence of the fluid being misted. Further, the inside of the device in one embodiment is split into three adjacent areas, which govern efficient flow of air and atomized chemicals through the device.

Abstract: A spray fill device for delivering water to a washing machine is provided. The spray fill device includes a body defining an inlet, an outlet port, a mounting port, and a plurality of outlet apertures in flow communication with the inlet. The spray fill device also includes a first valve coupled to the inlet, the valve configured to control a flow rate of water into the inlet. The spray fill device also includes a pressure relief mechanism coupled to the mounting port, the pressure relief mechanism inhibiting flow through the outlet port when a pressure within the body is less than a predetermined pressure.

Abstract: A fire fighting vehicle of the type having a system for introducing a liquid foam concentrate into a water delivery hose so that the percentage concentration of foamant in the mixture remains at a predetermined set value irrespective of variations in the water flow rate. The improvement provided involves the addition of an AutoStart feature whereby upon application of power to the foam control system, the system comes up in an on mode without the need for human intervention.

Abstract: A method of one embodiment of the invention is disclosed that determines the temperature and/or firing resistance of a thermal fluid-ejection nozzle as the fluid-ejection nozzle is fired. The method determines whether the fluid-ejection nozzle ejected fluid upon firing based on the temperature and/or firing resistance of the fluid-ejection nozzle.

Abstract: During a liquid spray pattern detection procedure, the sensor (50, 52) is operable to detect the presence or absence of an edge of the dispensed liquid spray pattern. The nozzle (18) of the liquid dispensing system is moved to a predetermined position (A) relative to the sensor (50, 52) to determine the presence or absence of the spray pattern and is then moved to a second predetermined position (B) relative to the sensor (50, 52) to again determine the presence or absence of the spray pattern. Based on these determinations, the width of the spray pattern can be verified. This provides a quick means to verify that the width of the dispensed pattern is within certain tolerances.

Abstract: A water bucket system having a water bucket is provided. The water bucket system comprises computer controlled loading of the water bucket from a water source, partial drop control means for controlling the drop of water from the water bucket onto a desired location, and variable flow rate control means for varying the flow of water from the water bucket. A water bucket for carrying water is also provided. The water bucket comprises a main support cable, a spreader plate secured to the main support cable, a plurality of secondary support cables secured to the spreader plate, a plurality of equally spaced webbing straps secured to the secondary support cables, a fabric envelope secured to the webbing straps, and a compression hoop secured to the webbing straps and the fabric envelope, and a valve secured to the fabric envelope.

Abstract: A flow sensor for detecting liquid flow generated by a spray device is non-invasive and capable of responding to rapid changes in the flow. The flow sensor includes a light emitter and a light detector, which may be disposed adjacent the liquid outlet of the spray device and oriented such that a light beam projected by the light emitter is aimed at the spray generated by the spray device and reflected by the spray into the light detector. The light detector senses the reflected light and generates an output indicative of the presence of the flow from the spray device. A deviation of the spray from the intended spray axis may also be detected.

Abstract: A water irrigation system may include a computer system, a sensing unit, an irrigation controller, and/or a water delivery system. The sensing unit may include a moisture gauge. The moisture gauge may include a capacitor coupled to a collector. The sensing unit may assess an amount of moisture in the collector and provide output that is a function of the amount of moisture in the collector to the computer system. The computer system may control irrigation of a zone to be irrigated at least partially based on the assessed amount of moisture in the collector. A method of controlling irrigation may include assessing an amount of moisture in a collector near or in a zone to be irrigated and controlling irrigation at least partially based on the assessed amount of moisture in the collector.

Abstract: An aerosol generating device generates an aerosol having a desired particle size by passing a liquid through a flow passage heated to convert the liquid into a vapor. The flow passage includes an outlet section that controls the exit velocity of the vapor and produces an aerosol with a desired particle size. The aerosol generator can be incorporated in a hand held inhaler, and the liquid can include a medicament, which is delivered to a targeted portion of the lung using the inhaler.

Abstract: A method of detecting the actuation of a sprinkler involves sensing a first fluid pressure at a first flow cross section, in one of the sprinkler and a conduit in which the sprinkler is mounted, sensing a second fluid pressure at a second flow cross section, in the sprinkler, wherein said first flow cross section is larger than said second flow cross section, and comparing the fluid pressures sensed at the first and second flow cross sections in order to detect a change in the relation of the fluid pressures due to actuation of the sprinkler, and thereby detect actuation of the sprinkler. The fluid pressures are sensed by ports in the sprinkler, or by one port in the sprinkler and one port in the conduit, and at least one transducer connected to the ports, and output signals from the transducer are sent to a computer or other recording instrument.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for applying road marking material to a pavement surface. The apparatus includes a vehicle having a holographic sight and at least one road marking material applicator mounted thereon. In accordance with the method, an operator of the vehicle steers the vehicle to a desired position on the pavement surface based upon aiming information observable through the holographic sight.

Abstract: A device and method for dispensing precise amounts of dry particulate matter, such as agricultural chemicals, directly into a liquid carrier stream, such as a flow of water, and a method of employing such a device to distribute chemicals. The device includes a bin for holding a quantity of particulate matter, a conduit for transporting a stream of liquid carrier, and a meter at the bottom of the bin for controllably releasing a desired amount of the particulate matter from the bin into the conduit while disallowing entry of the liquid carrier to the bin. The bin, conduit and meter are all mounted upon a portable structure for transportation with particulate matter in the bin. The meter includes a multi-vaned rotor turned by a controlled motor, and defines discrete pockets of known volume. The operator simply connects the device to a flow of water and keys into the controller an amount of material to be released.