Abstract: A control system for a fire fighting component includes a detector for detecting a position of at least a portion of a fire fighting component relative to an axis, which generates an output position signal indicative of the position of the at least a portion of the fire fighting component, and a controller in communication with the detector and receiving the output position signal. The controller generates a display output signal based on the output position signal. The system further includes a display that is in communication with the controller and receives the display output signal. The display generates an icon that is a graphical representation of the fire fighting device, and configures the icon based on the output display signal wherein the configuration of the icon indicates the position of the at least a portion of the fire fighting device.

Abstract: A control valve has an inlet, a first outlet and a second outlet. The control valve includes a poppet valve to selectably close one of the first outlet and the second outlet. A pair of diaphragms move from a first position to a second position when fluid is supplied to the control valve to permit the poppet valve to close the first passage when fluid is removed from the control valve. A magnet operably couples a wireless transmitter to a power source when fluid is supplied to the control valve. The wireless transmitter may send a signal to terminate irrigation by the control valve when the control valve is one of a plurality of control valves connected serially to a master valve only by a fluid supply line.

Abstract: Described herein are various embodiments of an apparatus, system, and method for controlling the irrigation of an area. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes at least one sensor module that is configured to detect the soil moisture content of soil in an irrigation area. The sensor module is further configured to determine a rate of change of the soil moisture content based on the detected soil moisture content. A rate at which the sensor module detects the soil moisture content of the soil is based on the determined rate of change of the soil moisture content. The apparatus also includes a central control module that is configured to execute an irrigation event for an irrigation area if the detected soil moisture content reaches a moisture content lower threshold. The central control module also is configured to terminate the irrigation event for the irrigation area if the detected soil moisture content reaches a moisture content upper threshold.

Abstract: A multipurpose fluid distribution system including a network of fluid distribution heads associated with a landscape. Also included is a water supply feeding the network of fluid distribution heads. The fluid distribution heads may be typical irrigation or sprinkler heads or specialized heads useful for reaching portions of the outside of a structure or landscape which are not typically irrigated such as the roofs of buildings. Also included in the multipurpose fluid distribution system is a series of distribution valves operatively disposed between the water supply and the network of fluid distribution heads. The system can be controlled with a control unit associated with the distribution valves which is configured to automatically open select distribution valves or open select distribution valves according to manual input.

Abstract: A method and system has been developed to individually control the flow of liquid products from any nozzle within a plurality of nozzles using pulse width modulated solenoid actuated valves residing on a CAN communication network. The CAN communication network has been further developed to manage the high current requirements of the solenoid actuated valves, the large physical length and high number of nozzles used on modern agricultural application equipment and integration and retrofit requirements when used in conjunction with commercially available application rate control devices. The method and system simultaneously controls multiple flow and shutoff related inputs including but not limited to turn radius, nozzle overlap, swath reduction, nozzle spacing, fence row rates, wheel track rates, etc.

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 irrigation controller includes a user interface capable of presenting information to a user and allowing the programming of the controller in a simple and intuitive fashion. Information presented may include values of all programmable irrigation parameters associated with an irrigation zone. Information presented may include values of irrigation parameters associated with multiple irrigation zones. Information may also be presented graphically, in color, and/or in a plurality of languages.

Abstract: An irrigation management system reduces high peak water use values by utilizing a microprocessor disposed in an irrigation controller to (a) receive peak water use information from a source other than a water supplier (b) receive water use information at a consumer site, and (c) automatically derive a new irrigation schedule that is at least partly based on the information received. The new irrigation schedule preferably includes at least one of a modification in a default irrigation frequency or start time, a reduction in a default irrigation application duration, the use of a rolling-average in the determination of the new irrigation application duration and other changes or modifications to the default irrigation schedule that will provide for the reduction in high peak water use values. Additionally, the microprocessor will display to the water user and/or third parties details on the new irrigation schedule and information received from the water supplier.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an irrigation sprinkler sensor for sensing if a sprinkler riser has elevated, if water is flowing through the sprinkler riser, if the sprinkler is rotating, or if a sprinkler valve has properly closed.

Abstract: An intelligent sensor includes an irrigation related data sensor for sensing irrigation related data and a network processor coupled to the irrigation related data sensor for receiving the irrigation data. The intelligent sensor also includes an interface coupled to the network processor for coupling the intelligent sensor to a communication bus of a peer-to-peer distributed network. The intelligent sensor also includes a memory including instructions for configuring the processor to generate a broadcast message including the irrigation related data. The interface transmits the broadcast message to a destination node coupled to the peer-to-peer distributed network via the communication bus. The destination node can be satellite field irrigation controllers or a control device.

Abstract: A system for fragrancing air includes an adjustable fan that is used to generate an air flow to push atomized fragrance oil from an output orifice of the system. The fragrance in the air is generated from atomized fragrance oil, where liquid fragrance oil can be stored in a cartridge bottle assembly and then atomized with compressed air in a collector assembly in the system. When the system is mounted on a wall or ceiling, the adjustable fan can be used to direct the fragrance downward at any number of angles from the system. The system can be programmed to adjust a fan speed and various settings of the fragrance delivery.

Abstract: A boom cradle slide system for use with an agricultural sprayer vehicle is provided. The boom cradle slide system includes a boom cradle that holds a sprayer boom in a stowed position. A slide assembly connects the boom cradle to the sprayer vehicle and allows the boom cradle to move transversely or laterally nearer to or further from the sprayer vehicle. An actuator provides the mechanism for driving the slide assembly and correspondingly moving the boom cradle and sprayer boom. The actuator is operated from outside a cab of the sprayer vehicle.

Abstract: An automotive fluid reservoir for storing and dispensing automotive fluids, such as motor oil and transmission fluid, into the engine and transmission of a vehicle is provided. The automotive fluid reservoir comprises a housing having a top side, a bottom side, a pair of end walls, a first side wall, and a second side wall. At least one compartment is formed in the housing with each compartment fluidly separate from any other compartment. A fluid receiving aperture is formed in the top side of the housing directly over each compartment for receiving fluid from an appropriate fluid container. At least one fluid output aperture is formed in one of the side walls of the housing with each fluid output aperture fluidly connected to at least one of the compartments. A length of tubing is connected to each of the fluid output apertures with each tubing extending from the appropriate fluid output aperture to the standard fluid reservoir within the vehicle.

Abstract: Spray device comprising a piezoelectric element, a sonotrode having a base coupled to the piezoelectric element, and a tube extending as far as a horn, a drive circuit for vibrating the piezoelectric element, and a feed device for bringing the product to be sprayed up to the front face of the horn. The sonotrode mainly vibrates in a mode parallel to the tube, the horn being dimensioned so as not to flex along the longitudinal axis, without flexing when the drive circuit vibrates the piezoelectric element. This spray device is applicable in cosmetology and in perfumery.

Abstract: The invention comprises devices and methods for providing operational power to a solar-powered irrigation control system. In one aspect, a method includes producing electrical energy from light, storing the electrical energy in a capacitive module, and operating an irrigation controller using the stored electrical energy independent of another power source. In another aspect, a device includes a control system comprising a computer having a programmed irrigation schedule which operates at least one irrigation device, a photovoltaic power module, and a capacitive module connected to said photovoltaic power module to store the electrical energy provided by the photovoltaic power module, where the capacitive module provides power for the control system to operate the at least one irrigation device independent of another power source.

Abstract: Apparatus for depositing a flowable substance as marking on road surfaces, and the like, comprising a container for the flowable substance which is conducted through a valve with a series of computer controlled, close adjacently arranged valve elements which can be activated individually with a series of activating members with connecting elements to the individual valve elements. The apparatus comprises a way of varying as an assembly the geometry of the movement of activating members of the valve members. The connecting elements are linked to a longitudinally extending member with an eccentric mechanism to regulate the active length of the connection between the activating member and the valve member for each of a plurality of valve members.

Abstract: A system for applying a tanning spray to a user comprising a tent apparatus, spray apparatus, and fluid directing apparatus is disclosed. The tent apparatus can contain a canopy, a fly, a groundsheet, a footprint, an entrance, and supports for holding the canopy. The spray apparatus can contain a nozzle, a nozzle holder, tubing connector, peripheral tubing, tube splitter, master tube, and a fluid directing device connector. The fluid directing device can contain a user interface, microprocessor and computer readable memory, a pump, motor, actuator, tanning fluid reservoir, and tanning fluid.

Abstract: The present invention provides an advanced spray control system for controlling a sprayer, which comprises a plurality of scrolling means operatively connected to the sprayer, where the spray system offers added controllability and operability. Also provided is a method of controlling a sprayer using the spray control system of the present invention.

Abstract: The invention is a centralized server-based system containing a database with relevant information regarding features, parameters, and characteristics of a particular irrigation system, which utilizes proprietary irrigation software to control a plurality of field modules, at one or more remote locations, via a network bridge adapter. An irrigation system may comprise a single server, or multiple servers that may be configured so that control of the entire system is centralized, and control of one or multiple irrigation locations may be accomplished remotely by wirelessly accessing, monitoring and controlling a location's field module matrix.

Abstract: A method of controlling evaporation of droplet cloud resulting from nebulization of a liquid expelled from a liquid droplet spray device is disclosed, wherein the liquid droplet spray device comprises a reservoir containing liquid, a perforate membrane plate, a fluid interface for feeding liquid from the reservoir to the membrane plate, an ultrasound generating mechanism for acting on the supplied liquid to cause it to be expelled as a spray of droplets through orifices of the membrane plate, and an electronic control device for controlling activation of the ultrasound generating mechanism.

Abstract: A plurality of receptacles in an irrigation controller removably receive a plurality of modules. At least one station module is configured for insertion into a first one of the receptacles and is connectable to a corresponding solenoid actuated valve through a dedicated field valve line and common return line. The station module includes at least one switching device for selectively providing a first power signal that energizes the corresponding solenoid actuated valve. At least one encoder module is configured for insertion into a second one of the receptacles and is connectable to a multi-wire path for sending encoded signals and a second power signal along the multi-wire path for selectively energizing one of a plurality of solenoid actuated valves connected to corresponding decoder circuits connected along the multi-wire path. A processor executes the stored watering program and controls the station module and/or the encoder module in accordance with the stored watering program.

Abstract: Described herein are several embodiments relating to modular irrigation controllers. In many implementations, the irrigation controllers are modular in that various functional components of the irrigation controller are implemented in removable modules that when inserted into position within the controller, expand the capabilities of the controller. Also described are various different types of expansion modules that may be coupled to the modular controller, having as variety of functions and features, as well as related methods of use and configuration of these modules in the controller. In one implementation, an expansion module is provided that includes a microcontroller capable of sending and receiving data communications to and from a main microcontroller of the controller that executed irrigation programs, the data communications relating to an irrigation program.

Abstract: A system for the data management of a thermal spraying apparatus with a spray gun (2) is made available, wherein the system includes a decentrally arranged device (1) with a memory (4), in order to detect process parameters and to store data of the thermal spraying apparatus and wherein the data contain identification and operating data of the thermal spraying apparatus and the device (1) additionally includes a bus interface (6) for the transmitting of the data.

Abstract: A fire suppression system having a plumbing assembly, an engine, a hose, an air-bleed valve, and a controller is provided. The controller includes a one-touch activation control. The controller is also configured to automatically activate the air-bleed valve to remove air within the hose to prevent user injury and damage to the fire suppression system. A fire suppression system that automatically configures the fire suppression system to output a predetermined fire suppression fluid composition upon actuation of a one-touch activation control is also provided. In addition, an integrated control system is provided to automatically configure a fire truck's interlock and shift pump operation.

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 provides a regulator system for regulating the operation of an irrigation system which is responsive to user programmed information. It has a control element for issuing watering control signals to an irrigation system, having at least one of (i) a duration programming device for programming a minimum amount of time and a maximum amount of time for the suspension of watering by the irrigation system, and (ii) a user adjustable temperature programming device for programming a minimum allowed temperature for initiating a watering period by the irrigation system. It further has an irrigation system interface for connecting said control element with the irrigation system. It also has a switch for conveying the control signals from the control element to the irrigation system via the irrigation system interface, for either permitting or prohibiting watering by the irrigation system, responsive to the control signals generated by and received from the control element.

Abstract: A number of water related issues concern most communities. Among these are the availability of water, and the ability of the existing infrastructure to efficiently pump and deliver that water without wasting energy. The present invention addresses these issues with respect to landscape water use. A preferred embodiment of the present invention is an add-on module that may be programmed with local watering restrictions including time of use (TOU), and that is connected to the output of any existing landscape irrigation controller. The module is programmed to not allow watering during certain times of day or certain days of the week as established by a local water authority or municipality. Embodiments of the invention also provide methods and apparatus for updating the local watering restrictions, and integrating the present invention into existing controllers.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided herein for permitting or interrupting irrigation using sensor equipment. In one embodiment, a method for controlling irrigation comprising the steps of: generating an indication representing the amount of rain fall at a sensor unit; transmitting a signal comprising at least the indication from the sensor unit to an interface unit, wherein the interface unit is adapted to cause an interruption of programmed watering schedules of an irrigation controller; receiving the signal at the interface unit; determining, based at least on the indication from the signal, whether irrigation should be interrupted; and generating an interrupt command to interrupt irrigation.

Abstract: A supply line system for conveying a fluid is provided. First and a second conduit segment have at least one inner conduit surface and an outer conduit surface. At least one fluid chamber is within the conduit segments and is formed by the at least one inner conduit surface. At least one electric wire is located between the at least one inner conduit surface and the outer conduit surface. A conduit connection element is connecting the first and second conduit segments, thereby mating the fluid chamber and the electric wire of the first conduit segment with the fluid chamber and the electric wire of the second conduit segment. At least a portion of the quantity of fluid and the electric signals is passed from the first to the second conduit segment. A control system is connected to the electric wire and in communication with at least one device.

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: A method for operating a fluid additive control system to inject a fluid additive into a fluid dispensation system is provided. The method includes receiving a first control signal indicating that a fluid dispensation device within the fluid dispensation system is active, and determining a fluid additive quantity based upon the identity of the fluid dispensation device. The method also includes activating a fluid additive injection system, where the fluid additive dispensation system injects the fluid additive into the fluid dispensation system in response to the activation.

Abstract: The present invention features an intelligent sprinkler irrigation system for delivering fluid to an arbitrarily-shaped area in a precise manner. In general, the system comprises (a) a fluid source comprising a pressurized fluid; (b) at least one programmable sprinkler head fluidly connected to the fluid source; and (c) a computer system configured to control the sprinkler head to precisely deliver fluid according to a pre-determined sprinkler function. The computer system comprises a teach mode, wherein a plurality of drive parameters are learned and recorded. These drive parameters function to dictate the specific vector positioning of the sprinkler head during execution of the sprinkler component. The teach mode is further configured to learn and record a plurality of flow parameters, which function to control the fluid delivery component of the sprinkler head (e.g., the valve or nozzle), and more particularly, the manner in which the fluid is delivered or emitted from this component.

Abstract: The invention provides a regulator system for regulating the operation of an irrigation system which is responsive to user programmed information. It has a control element for issuing watering control signals to an irrigation system, having at least one of (i) a duration programming device for programming a minimum amount of time and a maximum amount of time for the suspension of watering by the irrigation system, and (ii) a user adjustable temperature programming device for programming a minimum allowed temperature for initiating a watering period by the irrigation system. It further has an irrigation system interface for connecting said control element with the irrigation system. It also has a switch for conveying the control signals from the control element to the irrigation system via the irrigation system interface, for either permitting or prohibiting watering by the irrigation system, responsive to the control signals generated by and received from the control element.

Abstract: An outdoor fire prevention system preferably includes an existing roof structure with a plurality of first and second groups of water discharging assemblies. The system may also include a mechanism for automatically distributing water to a target group of water discharging assemblies by selecting assemblies from each of the first and second groups when sensors, located in the roof, indicate that the roof surface temperature, of a target region of is elevated above a maximum threshold temperature. The outdoor fire prevention system may further include a controller that is connected to a primary water shutoff valve in fluid communication with the automatic water distributing mechanism which automatically controls the amount of water transmitted to the system. The outdoor fire prevention system may also include a primary conduit in fluid communication with the primary water shutoff valve and traveling downstream therefrom, directing water where needed.

Abstract: Object: Provided are a method for applying a liquid material wherein there is no need to compute complex parameters and there is no influence on the speed of movement of an ejection unit, a device for the same, and a program for the same.

Abstract: A high volume piezoelectric atomizer for use with common consumer spray products is disclosed. The piezoelectric atomizer may include an actuator, a substrate and a supply of a liquid product to be dispensed. The substrate may include a plurality of tapered perforations in direct contact with the supply of a liquid product. A control circuit vibrates the actuator, substrate and its tapered perforations against the supply at velocities of at least 500 mm/s. Droplets are dispensed at a delivery rate of approximately 0.2 g/s resulting in plumes of at least 2 feet in length resulting in a Valpey factor of at least 51.0.

Abstract: An irrigation system includes a radio transmitter station that transmits weather prediction information to a geographic region that includes multiple geographic sub-regions. The weather prediction information includes a respective geographic sub-region code for each of the geographic sub-regions for which a weather forecast predicts rain within a predetermined time period. An irrigation apparatus in a particular sub-region activates to water a watering zone at a schedule time. However, if the irrigation apparatus receives the sub-region code for the particular sub-region where the irrigation apparatus is located, the irrigation apparatus does not immediately activate to water the watering zone in one embodiment. The transmitter station may transmit both program content and data content on a common radio frequency signal wherein the data content includes the weather prediction information.

Abstract: An atomizer provides a control of duty cycle or a motor driving a diaphragm pump. By providing precise, high-speed flow through an eductor nozzle, improved atomization occurs. However, to control the total volume of atomized liquid discharged, the delay time between operational time periods may also be controlled. Thus, a very effective atomizer provides economical use of essential oils by control duty cycle. Precision modeling provides highly integrated subsystems providing superior performance and reliability.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fire protection installation (30) comprising a mist sprayer system with at least one nozzle (5, 10) through which extinguishing medium in the form of liquid is arranged to be sprayed out at high pressure, so that a mist is created for achieving fire extinguishing by means of cooling of combustion gases and the seat of the fire. The distinguishing characteristics are that the fire protection installation is portable and has a modular construction comprising a basic system (31) and a number of customized additional systems, which additional systems comprise different additional units that are adapted to a particular function profile that is set in the actual fire protection installation.

Abstract: An evapotranspiration (ET) unit includes a first communication link, a processor and a second communication link. The first communication link receives actual ET data from a plurality of environmental sensors. The processor calculates changes to a set of watering schedules of a predetermined watering program based on the actual ET data. The changes can increase or decrease the frequency and/or length of ON times for selected stations. The second communication link transmits the changes to a separate irrigation controller.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method for controlling an irrigation device coupled to and receiving operational power from a multi-wire interface of an irrigation system comprises: receiving power at the device where the device is one of a plurality of devices receiving power substantially simultaneously; charging an energy reserve of the device using the power, wherein the energy reserve of each device is charged and adapted to supply power to an actuator coupled to a valve; identifying a delay period for the device, the delay period different than a delay period of at least one other device, the delay period defining a period of time that the device is to delay before the energy reserve is discharged; discharging the energy reserve after the delay period lapses; and recharging the energy reserve by drawing current from the multi-wire interface to provide a time staggered recharging of the energy reserves of the devices.

Abstract: The improved sprayer system of the present invention utilizes a docking drogue and probe assembly to quickly and easily allow refilling of the sprayer tanks with a material from an enlarged nurse tank. The coupling of the drogue and probe allows for fluid communication, as well as electronic transmission of material data to a processor in the prime mover. This processor software also receives input regarding field data and crop data, as well as feedback data from the sprayer regarding the material application. A GPS system on the prime mover allows for tracking the spraying operation, while a time stamp in the processor software tracks the timing of the spraying operation. This system thus allows for accurate accountability and traceability for the use of materials during the spraying operation.

Abstract: An evapotranspiration (ET) unit includes a processor and a memory for storing a historical set of components of ET data. The processor can communicate with one or more environmental sensors each capable of generating a signal representing an actual value to be substituted for a corresponding one of the components of the historical set. Preprogrammed algorithms enable the processor to calculate changes to a set of watering schedules of a predetermined watering program of an irrigation controller based on any substituted actual value and the remaining historical set of components. The ET unit 10 communicates the changes to the irrigation controller.

Abstract: The present invention provides numerous methods, systems and apparatus that use a novel form of water budgeting technology for water conservation without the use of complex ET (Evapotranspiration) data or methods. Embodiments include incorporating the technology directly into irrigation controllers, into modules added on to existing controllers, or into central units that broadcast a water budget that can alter the schedules of one, many, or selected groups of remotely located controllers or modules. The various methods of the present invention offer the choice of adjusting the station run times, accumulating the water budgets, altering the watering intervals, and/or combining the present water budgeting technology with local watering communities' restricted watering schedules. The result offers residential, commercial, and municipal users a wide range of practical choices for effective water conservation in landscape irrigation with temperature based water budgeting.

Abstract: Described herein are several embodiments relating to modular irrigation controllers. In many implementations, methods of implementing irrigation control are provided that detect a presence of a first module coupled with a control unit of an irrigation controller, the control unit operating in accordance with a bootloader set of code and a first set of code to implement irrigation control, identify that the first module stores a second set of code, and activate the bootloader set of code to replace the first set of code with the second set of code. Also described are various different types of modular controllers, expansion modules that may be coupled to the modular controller, having as variety of functions and features, as well as related methods of use and configuration of the controller and these modules in the controller.

Abstract: The invention is riser assembly for use with a fluid dispenser particularly a sprinkler. The assembly includes: (1) a container partially circumscribing a reservoir for containing a pressurized fluid, the container having a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet disposed therethrough, and (2) a conduit circumscribing a channel occupiable by a signal carrier, the conduit including an intermediate conduit portion disposed within the reservoir, a first conduit portion disposed through the container to a signal carrier entry area outside the container and a second conduit portion disposed through the container to a signal carrier exit area outside the container. The assembly may include a cover connectable to the container, the cover having an aperture for containing the fluid dispenser disposed therethrough, a protective cavity being formed between the cover and the container.

Abstract: A delivery system and methods for generating droplets of liquid active materials, such as a perfume, air freshener, insecticide formulation, and volatile materials, to the atmosphere by means of a electromechanical transducer. The electromechanical transducer employs a first period of activation and a second period of deactivation to increase the distribution of volatile materials contained within the liquid active materials to the atmosphere and reduce the hedonic habituation of the user. The electromechanical transducer is configured to improve flow rate and decrease deposition of the droplets on to nearby surfaces.

Abstract: An inflection point sensing arrangement of an electronic drive unit, which drives a fuel injection valve, senses an inflection point in a pressure-changing process of the pressure in the control chamber. A charging and discharging condition changing arrangement of the electronic drive unit changes a charging condition for charging of the electric current to a piezoelectric actuator of the fuel injection valve or a discharging condition for discharging of the electric current from the piezoelectric actuator upon sensing of the inflection point, which is sensed with the inflection point sensing arrangement.

Abstract: The system contains a plurality of conduit segments and at least one electrically-powered pump. At least one conduit connector joins the conduit segments and the electrically-powered pumps, thereby mating at least one fluid path. A plurality of electric power wires are coupled with the conduit segments and connected to the electrically-powered electric pumps. At least one electrical connector, within said conduit connectors, mates corresponding electric power wires between the conduit segments. An electric power source electrically connected to the electrically-powered pump via the electric power wires.

Abstract: An ice maker for creating a layer of ice on a cooled surface, is disclosed. The ice maker has a source of de-gassed water, which may be de-gassed by being heated. A pump to pressurize the de-gassed water is provided and the water is passed to a sprayer hydraulically connected to the pump. The sprayer has nozzles sized and shaped to convert the pressurized water into a fine de-gassing droplet spray directed at the cooled surface. The droplets are sized to substantially freeze on contact with the cooled surface. In one embodiment a microprocessor is provided to change the volume sprayed according to the speed of the ice maker to ensure an even coat of ice is layed down.