Abstract: An automated pesticide applicator system including a pesticide storage receptacle having an aspirator, a conduit having a receiving end constructed to be attached to a water source and having a backflow valve therein to prevent the flow of water from the conduit to the source of water and to allow the flow of water in the opposite direction, a fluid control valve having an inlet end connected to the conduit and an outlet end connected to aspirator, and a soaker tube attached to the aspirator, the soaker tube is generally positioned to surround a structure to be protected and is buried a shallow depth in the ground.

Abstract: System and method for supplying water to plants. A photodetector detects light adjacent the plants and a threshold circuit generates a first signal representative of a first state when the level of illumination of the detected light is less than a threshold level and generates a second signal representative of a second state when the level of illumination of the detected light is greater than the threshold level. A processor is responsive to the first and second signals for anticipating approximately when the detected light will next change from the first state to the second state and approximately when the detected light will next change from the second state to the first state. A counter circuit responsive to the processor generates an initiate signal and a terminate signal.

Abstract: A sensor probe for moisture and other properties of bulk materials contains selection, input, excitation, and isolation functions for obtaining signals from a group of sensors, converting the signals to digital information, correlating portions of the information and transmitting the information to one or more external actuators and remote receivers and controllers.

Abstract: A portable knockdown above ground watering system and method for establishing a new lawn is provided. The system includes a compact water manifold structure comprising a manifold housing having a water inlet in fluid communication with a plurality of water outlets. A plurality of solenoid actuated valves are connected adjacent to and in fluid communication with each of the water outlets. The solenoid actuated valves being electrically connected to a control cable plug. An inlet hose connector is connected in fluid communication with the water inlet for removable connection to an inlet hose. A plurality of sprinkler heads are connected in fluid communication to the manifold structure with removably connected outlet hoses. A flexible waterproof control cable is provided. The control cable is removably connected between the control cable plug and a timer assembly which is used for electronically regulating the solenoid actuated valves for operation of the sprinkler heads.

Abstract: A game apparatus combines a rotatably mounted nozzle with propulsion and indexing mechanisms to provide a game in which players assume positions radially spaced about the nozzle's axis of rotation and actuate the propulsion mechanism as necessary to divert the nozzle's output orifice from pointing toward their individual positions. The apparatus further employs a timer to control the discharge of water or other material from the nozzle toward a player position selected by the indexing mechanism.

Abstract: An improved watering/irrigation control system for use in conjunction with automatic domestic lawn and plant watering systems and/or automatic agricultural irrigation systems that utilizes historical rainfall data and/or predictive rainfall data or restrictive watering data for a determination of when standard timed periodic irrigation or watering operations should be interrupted or withheld given the existence of sufficient rainfall already on the ground or a sufficient likelihood that such rainfall will occur within a predetermined period of time such that the normal watering or irrigation cycle is made unnecessary.

Abstract: A sprinkler system controller comprising temperature sensor means for monitoring air temperature and transmitting an affirmative temperature indication signal when a given preset temperature is exceeded; light sensor means for monitoring light intensity and transmitting an affirmative illumination indication signal when a given preset intensity is not exceeded; moisture probe means for monitoring ground moisture and transmitting an affirmative moisture indication signal when a given preset moisture level is not exceeded; conjunctive means coupled to the temperature sensor means, light sensor means, and moisture probe means for transmitting an affirmative timer activation signal upon receipt of an affirmative temperature indication signal, an affirmative illumination indication signal, and an affirmative moisture indication signal; timer means coupled to the conjunctive means for receiving an affirmative timer activation signal and transmitting an affirmative sprinkler valve activation signal for a preset peri

Abstract: A drop dispensing device includes a liquid ejection system, such as a timed pump mechanism, and a multi-channeled nozzle cooperative with the ejection system, for directing ejected liquid out of a container and into a chamber external to the container wherein the nozzle further includes drip tabs for forming and directing drops. The chamber is divided into a plurality of cavities and is formed by a plurality of interconnected walls. The chamber is adapted to receive the nozzle and includes a raised drainage orifice for each cavity such that the drainage orifice is operatively coupled to a guide tube for simultaneously guiding draining drops from the chamber to a plurality of selected surfaces.

Abstract: A pneumatic timed spray dispenser for automatically dispensing a quantity of the contents of a pressurized reservoir to the atmosphere at predetermined intervals, containing a timing piston structure utilizing the pressure in the reservoir to permit discharge of the contents to the atmosphere in an atomized form.

Abstract: A portable soil drenching apparatus and method employing any of a number of water soluble biocidal materials for pre-plant soil treatment in order to eliminate pests and disease agents. The apparatus includes a series of hoses each having drip irrigation emitters in place thereon at spaced intervals. The hoses may be attached to the underside of a tarp. Each hose is sealed at one end and attached at the other end to a manifold delivery system. The hoses are deployed onto the field which is to be treated, and the manifold is connected to a water supply and material mixing source. The selected materials are mixed with the water and introduced into the hose and manifold system by one of three alternative methods (uniform delivery, wave delivery or stacking) resulting in drenching of the field and elimination of pests and/or disease agents. Alternative embodiments allow for connection to existing linear, wheel line, and center-pivot irrigation systems and for the use of low atomizing sprinklers instead of hoses.

Abstract: An improved irrigation controller of solid state design utilizes a microcomputer which retains and executes a watering schedule. A plurality of analog data input devices are provided with one input device being assigned to input one value of at least one watering schedule parameter having a number of possible values. Each analog data input device comprises a potentiometer, connected between high and low reference voltages, which has a variable output voltage determined by the setting or position of the input device on the controller housing, with different output voltages representing different values of the parameter. The output voltage is determined by charging a capacitor using a constant current source and by timing how long it takes the capacitor to reach the output voltage. The same capacitor is used for all of the analog data input devices to remove any variability in how different capacitors charge.

Abstract: A timed water control valve system for use with a shower, which comprises a valve body within a housing having a water flow passage with a water inlet for a source of water and a water outlet for a device to dispense water, which water flow is to be time controlled. The valve body includes first, second and third spool passageways, with the three spools therein tensionally positioned in their respective spool passageways and adapted to move slidably between a water flow position and a non-water flow position. A timer having a rotatable shaft is connected to a knob which on rotatable movement activates the timer to a preselected water flow time period for the flow of water. The knob is also moved between an inward, water non-activated position and an outward, water activated position; first and second cams about the shaft and between the timer and knob permit the rotation of the knob.

Abstract: An override control system for an automatic sprinkler system of the type having a control box with a timer for turning on and off at least one sprinkler valve, each sprinkler valve having a valve line which connects to a common line. The override control system includes a probe assembly, having a probe support, a probe having spaced apart electrically conductive members supported by the probe support, and a removable reservoir connectable to the probe support for containing the probe for above ground support while the probe assembly is being used above the ground. The reservoir is removable so that the electrically conductive members are in direct contact with ground dirt when the reservoir is removed and the members are positioned beneath the ground. An electrical circuit is positioned between each valve line and the common line.

Abstract: A pop-up sprinkler assembly for installation within the ground and for manual connection from a position above ground with an above ground hose as a source of water pressure. The pop-up sprinkler assembly includes a housing structure having an annular opening and exterior suitable for installation within the ground in a fixed operative position. The housing structure has a inlet passageway communicating with the annular opening. A hose connector is in the passageway for connection to an above ground hose. A sprinkler head is mounted in the annular space that is generally at ground level when the sprinkler head is in a lower storage position. An annular seal is provided between the sprinkler head and the housing structure so that the communication of water pressure with the annular space results in water pressure-biased movement of the sprinkler head from the lower storage position to a raised operative position.

Abstract: A pneumatic timed spray dispenser for automatically dispensing a quantity of the contents of a pressurized reservoir to the atmosphere at predetermined intervals, containing a timing piston structure utilizing the pressure in the reservoir to permit discharge of the contents to the atmosphere in an atomized form.

Abstract: An improved irrigation controller of solid state design utilizes a microcomputer which retains and executes a watering schedule input by a user through data input means. One of the parameters of system operation is the times of day in which irrigation will start when the current day is selected to be active. The controller of this invention uses a slide potentiometer having multiple sliders which may be moved in a single slideway for setting multiple start times determined by the slider positions. In addition, a hot post terminal is provided in the controller connected to ground. This terminal can be used to determine station assignment by touching the station wires to the terminal as power is applied along a common line to the actuating devices, i.e. solenoids, of the various stations.

Abstract: A liquid dispenser includes an electric motor-driven pump for pumping liquid from a container through a wand and nozzle. The pump is controlled by a programmable timer which in turn, is actuated by a release actuable trigger switch mounted on the pistol grip secured to the wand.

Abstract: Spraying apparatus for spraying a liquid into air includes a wind sensor and a sprayer. The sprayer provides a spray into the air for a predetermined time interval upon sensing only predetermined ones of the occurrences and the predetermined ones of the occurrences occurring for at least a predetermined time interval.

Abstract: An irrigation system having a microprocessor-based controller for providing a desired degree of watering to an area which is divided up into zones, with each zone including a solenoid water valve in series with one or more water dispensing devices, such as spray heads or a drip irrigation tube. Also associated with each of the zones is a moisture sensor which is arranged to be periodically interrogated by the microprocessor-based controller and, when interrogated, provides an electrical signal proportional to the degree of moisture in the soil proximate the sensor. A feature of the invention is that the microprocessor-based controller is extremely easy to program due to the combination of a display screen on which various menus can be presented and a minimum quantity of push-button keys for calling up the menus and for altering sprinkling parameters that are displayed on the menu screens.

Abstract: A spraying device having an automatic flushing system. A pressurized tank of formulation is mounted on a wheeled frame and connected to a plurality of nozzles via a three-way valve. The valve is further connected to a container of flushing medium. A programmable controller operates the three-way valve to periodically interrupt formulation flow and allow flushing medium flow through the conduits and nozzles to prevent clogging thereof. A pair of liquid sensors in the formulation conduit detect cessation of formulation flow triggering a timer operating the three-way valve causing flow of flushing medium upon completion of the formulation application. The formulation tank includes a vertically adjustable outlet tube controlling the amount of applied formulation. A centrifugal fan blows air past the nozzles carrying the emitted droplets into the atmosphere.

Abstract: A program controlled irrigation system (10) operates with two programs. Program A and Program B, for irrigating a plurality of zones. Selected zones are dedicated to the irrigation of grass, for example, under Program A while other zones are dedicated to the irrigation of shrubs, for example, under Program B. A total of six times for starting an irrigation cycle are available for both Programs A and B. Under program control, the six starting times can be allocated in any combination to Programs A and B. Further, starting times can be shifted readily between Programs A and B thereby providing flexibility to meet the changing demands in grass and shrub irrigation. Each zone is constantly monitored for overcurrent conditions wherein zone operation is terminated if the overcurrent of the particular zone is sustained beyond a set period. Also, if the current reaches an excessive level in a very short period, zone operation is terminated.

Abstract: A device for expanding the number of stations controlled by an existing irrigation controller or the like, or which can be operated as a stand-alone irrigation controller. The device (10) includes a control processor (12) which sequentially activates one or more control lines (66) for a predetermined period of time, the time periods being independently set for each control line. The timing cycle of the device (10) can be initiated manually or from a station control line (60) of an existing master controller (50). Activation by a master controller occurs after the station control line to which the device is connected completes its timed cycle according to the master controller. One or more of the devices can be cascaded to provide unlimited expansion capability.

Abstract: A vapor dispensing system comprising a container adapted to contain a cartridge for controllably dispensing a liquid substance as a vapor, a pump for causing a flow of the vapor, conduit means for conveying the vapor flow including a first conduit communicating between the container and the pump, a second conduit communicable between the pump and the atmosphere, and means for controlling the flow of vapor.

Abstract: A device for distributing pressurized water to a plurality of sprinkler lines is provided. The valve and valve control portions are centralized, and thus no electrical connection to remote locations is required. The valve system is modular so as to permit addition or deletion of modules for adding or removing control of sprinkler lines. A stepper motor and cam shaft system permits expenditure of energy only during change-of-state events, so that no electrical energy need be consumed to maintain a watering state. A generator which produces electrical energy from the pressure head of a pressurized water source provides electrical energy for operating a motor and a motor controller, such as a device including a microprocessor.

Abstract: An irrigation controller contains a base unit having drivers and output switches for controlling a number of irrigation stations which is less than the maximum number of stations for which the controller is designed. Station expansion modules are provided having the drivers and output switches for incremental numbers of stations. The station expansion modules can be individually bought and connected to the base unit to expand the number of available irrigation stations up to the maximum number of stations. A microprocessor in the base unit can be programmed and controls all of the stations, both those in the base unit and those in the station expansion modules. Pump and accessory timer modules can also be provided for optionally driving a pump and/or an accessory device such as a lighting system.

Abstract: A fluid dispenser having an actuating mechanism for operating a pump-type spray container is provided for quiet operation and improved reliability. The actuating mechanism includes a cam/lever arm assembly having a lever tip which slides down the sloping surface of the cam such that it controls the downward impact force of the lever arm on the spray head.

Abstract: A water actuated outdoor fan which includes a plurality of radiating blades for creating a current of air, and a water turbine for converting the kinetic energy of moving water to mechanical power to operate the plurality of radiating blades.

Abstract: An irrigation system for irrigating an area comprises a pipe for delivering water to the area to be irrigated, and a pump connected to the pipe for delivering a first water supply to the pipe. A timer is operatively associated with the pump for activating the pump during a first predetermined time period. A second water supply is provided connectable to the pipe during a second predetermined time period when the pump is deactivated. A method for irrigating an area is also provided comprising the steps of: providing a water delivering pipe associated with the area for irrigating the area; delivering a first water supply to the pipe during a first predetermined time period; preventing delivery of the first water supply to the pipe during a second predetermined time period; and delivering a second water supply to the pipe during a second predetermined time period.

Abstract: A system is disclosed comprised of several inputs in the soil that send a current into the soil and measure the resulting resistance in the soil. The soil resistance varies inversely with the level of moisture in the soil. Two voltage comparators are used to determine whether the soil has reached a pre-determined level of saturation or dryness. If the pre-determined level of dryness is exceeded, then a signal is sent through a switch and a latch, and activates the sprinkler solenoids. Once the pre-determined level of saturation is reached, a saturated signal is sent through the switch and latch in order to de-energize the solenoids. The system includes an over-watering prevention feature wherein a clock circuit is used so as to pulse the sprinklers in order to allow the water to permeate the soil between the sprinkler pulses.

Abstract: An automatic irrigation and sprinkling system for applying irrigation water or airborne dispersed water to a particular area. A precipitation sensor is included for incrementing a counter based upon the sensed precipitation. During a scheduled irrigation event, power is applied to the system to open one or more solenoid valves to control the flow of water. This main power signal would flow uninterruptedly to the solenoid valves only if the counter was at a predetermined value. A value greater than this predetermined value during a scheduled irrigation event would cause the power to be interrupted to the solenoid valves and would allow the counter to begin decrementing. If the value of the counter reaches this predetermined value during the scheduled irrigation event, power would again be supplied to the solenoid valves, thereby supplying water to the predetermined area.

Abstract: A maintenance control apparatus for a lawn watering system includes an accessible electrical receptacle and a portable switching unit. The unit includes a plug for detachably coupling into the receptacle and a selection switch for selectively supplying power through the receptacle to the solenoid water valves. The valves are thereby selectively openable remotely and independently of the clock controller of the watering system. An auxiliary battery and jack are provided to substitute for the main power. A portable master switch electively supplies power to open or close the master valve.

Abstract: An improved irrigation control apparatus for use in controlling an irrigation valve. The apparatus includes a soil moisture sensor for generating an output signal indicative of the soil moisture level. The output signal is sent to a control unit that inhibits valve operation if the soil is considered wet. The control unit has a control circuit that applies a relatively short duration power pulse to the sensor to obtain a moisture reading during the pulse. In addition, the control unit includes display lights which are part of a manually actuable test circuit that displays a wet or dry soil indication received from the sensor.

Abstract: A single-sprinkler controller comprises a timer for the input of data of sprinkling time for the sprinkler, a motor electrically connected to and operatively controlled by the timer based on the data, a rotor disc with two ridges mounted on a first shaft rotatably mounted on a mount wall and drivable by the motor, a pivot member pivotably mounted to a mount wall, and a valve assembly. The valve assembly includes an enclosure with a chamber having a first open side mounted to and sealed by the mount wall and a second open side, an inlet conduit having a first inlet in fluid communication with a water supply provided outside the enclosure and a first outlet provided in the chamber, an outlet conduit having a second inlet in the first outlet and a second outlet in fluid communication to the sprinkler, a rear cover mounted to and sealing the second open side of the chamber, and a valve membrane provided in the chamber.

Abstract: A device and method for automatically dispersing aggregate material, such as animal feed, is disclosed. The device includes a hopper having a spout at a bottom side thereof. A distributor is positioned underneath the spout so that feed or other material within the hopper flows out of the spout and into the distributor. the distributor is dimensioned and positioned relative to the spout so that the feed cones-up and prevents further feed from flowing out of the hopper. The distributor is further configured to have upright walls located around its periphery. The upright walls prevent unintended unloading of the distributor by wind or bumping. The distributor is attached to a shaft of an electrical motor which activates during a rotational cycle in accordance with a schedule established by a control unit. When the motor activates, the distributor rotates, and feed is broadcast from the distributor through openings within the upright walls.

Abstract: A multi-sprinkler controller includes a timer-activated motor which drives a rotor disc. The rotor disc operates the opening and closing of several water passages through which water is supplied to the various sprinklers which make up a sprinkler system.

Abstract: This invention includes a process and apparatus for dispensing/applying a material to lawns and gardens. The apparatus includes a child and pet proof container for holding the material being dispensed/applied. At the upper portion of the container in a water flow path is a water fill conduit, liquid volume control, back flow prevention device, and a Venturi. The Venturi draws the contents of the container through a hose having an end located at the containers lower end where there is a filter located at such hose end. This allows hazardous material to be administered to a lawn or other flora without human or animal exposure to hazardous material.

Abstract: An automatic control system, having a main control system with wireless communication equipment, with a water sprinkling device disposed in an area to be sprinkled with water and adapted to sprinkle water over this area, and water piping installed between a water source and the water sprinkling device, and adapted to distribute water from the water source to the water sprinkling device. A water sprinkling control system is installed on the ground in a position close to the water sprinkling device and adapted to control the water sprinkling device. The water sprinkling control system includes a hydraulic valve disposed in the water piping close to the sprinkling device which has a water channel connecting an inflow passageway with a flow passageway connected to a pilot line. A two-way pilot solenoid valve is connected at one port thereof to the hydraulic valve through the pilot line, and at the other port to a drain piping.

Abstract: An improved irrigation control apparatus for use in controlling an irrigation valve. The apparatus includes a soil moisture sensor for generating an output signal indicative of the soil moisture level. The output signal is sent to a control unit that inhibits valve operation if the soil is considered wet. The control unit has a control circuit that applies a relatively short duration power pulse to the sensor to obtain a moisture reading during the pulse. In addition, the control unit includes display lights which are part of a manually actuable test circuit that displays a wet or dry soil indication received from the sensor.

Abstract: A perfume emitting device for use in an automobile comprises a tank for storing a perfume emitting material and a perfume atomizing unit connected to the tank. The perfume atomizing unit is provided with a nozzle for atomizing the perfume emitting material and an operation member reciprocably mounted in the perfume atomizing unit for mechanically operating this unit, when a door of the automobile is opened, so that the perfume emitting material may be emitted to the inside of the automobile for a predetermined period of time.

Abstract: An irrigation system for controlling the operation of a number of control valves each of which controls the flow of water in a corresponding branch pipe leading from a common supply pipe. The system comprises a pair of control lines which extend along the supply pipe and branch pipes to carry a control signal to operate a control unit which operates a corresponding control valve using a low voltage power supply. The control signal is coded by a data generator according to predetermined conditions and is decoded by each of the control units, the coded signal being received at each control unit, and the specified control unit operating only.

Abstract: An apparatus and controlling circuitry for periodically operating an aerosol container in discrete dispensing intervals to disperse a discrete quantity of the contents thereof. The apparatus includes a powered mechanism for actuating the aerosol, with the circuitry controlling the powered mechanism for a predetermined number of actuations. An energizing means activates a warning mechanism when the actuation count reaches the predetermined number to thereby indicate the probable total evacuation of the aerosol container and the necessity for termination of the operation. The apparatus also includes means for setting the circuitry into a plurality of different operating modes, including a continuous intermittent operation, a controlled daytime operation, and a controlled night operation. The apparatus may be battery operated, and it then includes a second warning mechanism for indicating whether the battery power is sufficient to operate the powered mechanism.

Abstract: A computer-based controller controls and displays, on a real-time basis, the operation of a large number of watering stations. The controller provides functional statistics, assessment of the system flow characteristics and monitoring of station and system malfunctions. Control and modification of each station is turn-on time during each watering, the time between each station's watering and the accumulated watering time interval are also provided. Soil moisture sensors and a flow meter provide reliable irrigation of large lawns while optimizing water conservation. Prompt response to malfunctions at the system and station level prevents costly catastrophes plaguing prior art irrigation control systems. A scanning irrigation controller permits multiple applications of small amounts of water during the irrigation cycle, resulting in reduced runoff loss and reduced leaching and puddling from oversaturation.

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: By method of dispensing vapor, preferably perfumed vapor, to the air in a room from a vapor dispensing substance, vapor is dispensed by means of an electrically controlled control device for controlling the vapor dispensation of the vapor dispensing substance, and an electrical circuit for controlling the current supply to the control device. By the fact that the electrical circuit is supplying a time controlled, gradually increasing current supply to the control device in time periods with intermediate periods of no current supply to the control device is achieved that the concentration of the vapor dispensed is kept at a constant level, until the vapor dispensation substance has been used up.

Abstract: Various apparatus and methods are shown for controlling the emissions from sprinkler heads in an irrigation system to cause variable volume irrigation at a constant pressure. In one approach, a rotating sprinkler head is rotated at different speeds as a function of the radial position of the emerging water stream so that dryer areas have slower rotational movement of the sprinkler head and, thereby, a greater volume of water discharged thereon. In another approach, the water to the sprinkler head is turned on and off during the irrigation period rather than being turned on at the beginning and off at the end. As a result, multiple heads which are individually turned off and on have a better average water distribution. Likewise, high-precipitation sprinkler heads are made to operate with an average low-precipitation so that run-off and water waste are virtually eliminated.

Abstract: A fluid control system for controlling one or more branches of a fluid delivery system, which can be manually controlled or, under general operating conditions, automatically controlled by ambient moisture conditions. When applied to sprinkler and irrigation systems, for example, the system will include a ground moisture sensor which, with associated means, can modify or adjust the preset watering times in accordance with soil needs as sensed by the sensor structure. The programmable timer is used for respective watering stations; the timers can be separately set to desired average watering time needed for particular stations. Sequencing functions and apparatus are also provided.

Abstract: The invention permits modification of the operation of irrigation controllers at a plurality of sites without investment in any additional equipment except for one paging receiver per site.

Abstract: An animal scent dispensing apparatus includes a housing that can be supported in an elevated position above the ground. A reservoir is supported by the housing for containing an animal scent to be dispensed. An outlet releases fluid scent from the reservoir in a drip-like fashion so that it can be dispensed to fall to the ground. A valved vacuum line operable between open and closed flow positions and communicates with the reservoir for maintaining a vacuum on the reservoir when not dispensing fluid therefrom. A timed valving mechanism fence the reservoir at the vacuum line so that fluid in the reservoir will dispense from the outlet and the outlet defines at least in part the dispensing flow rate as a fluid dispensed from the reservoir. The apparatus has particular utility for deer hunting wherein a scent can be dispensed at multiple times during the day for very short time periods of for example a few seconds.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an adjustable shower head apparatus having a digital clock incorporated therein. The shower head can be adjusted upward, downward, forward and backward in addition to the head itself which can be rotated forward and backward. The shower head arms have adjustable friction joints that will provide a fixed position of the shower head when placed anywhere within the boundaries of the shower head movement. A digital clock is mounted in the body of the shower head that can be easily seen by the person taking a shower. In one embodiment, both real time and elapsed time is available from viewing the shower head clock.

Abstract: An apparatus and controlling circuitry for periodically operating an aerosol container in discrete dispensing intervals to disperse a discrete quantity of the contents thereof. The apparatus includes a powered mechanism for actuating the aerosol, with the circuitry controlling the powered mechanism for a predetermined number of actuations. An energizing means activates a warning mechanism when the actuation count reaches the predetermined number to thereby indicate the probable total evacuation of the aerosol container and the necessity for termination of the operation. The apparatus also includes means for setting the circuitry into a plurality of different operating modes, including a continuous intermittent operation, a controlled daytime operation, and a controlled night operation. The apparatus may be battery operated, and it then includes a second warning mechanism for indicating whether the battery power is sufficient to operate the powered mechanism.