Abstract: The present disclosure is related to a showerhead. The showerhead includes a housing defining a fluid inlet and a chamber in fluid communication with the fluid inlet, a rotatable turbine received in the chamber and including an eccentric cam positioned on a downstream side of the turbine, and a shutter positioned on the downstream side of the turbine. The shutter includes a shutter body defining an oval-shaped aperture in which the eccentric cam is received such that the shutter oscillates along a rectilinear path as the turbine rotates.

Abstract: A vortex generator for use in establishing air fountains, kinetic sculptures, or unique stage effects comprised of a circular planar stage upon the surface of which a central vertical updraft is created by forced swirling air emanating from a cylindrical plenum beneath the stage, the air exiting through a circular orifice and lip forming a circumferential flow restrictor encircling the stage.

Abstract: A liquid delivery apparatus includes a base assembly; a vessel into which liquid may be introduced to at least partially fill the vessel and to pressurize the liquid in the vessel; a nozzle including a discharge tube and a nozzle outlet, wherein the nozzle is rotatable with respect to the base assembly, and the nozzle outlet is provided at a distal end of the nozzle via which the liquid may be discharged from the vessel under the pressure of the liquid in the vessel; and a valve between the vessel and the nozzle to control passage of liquid from the vessel to the nozzle outlet; wherein the valve and nozzle discharge tube are substantially in line. A drive system is also disclosed that drives rotation of the nozzle with respect to the base assembly. The drive system may be configured to propel the liquid delivery apparatus along the ground.

Abstract: A compact fragrance diffuser 1 including a ventilation corridor, an air flow generator, a fixing support on the downstream side of the air flow generator and adapted to fix a fragrance cartridge there, a partition in the ventilation corridor between the air flow generator and the fixing support, the state of which can be modified between at least a partitioning state and a non-partitioning state, and a servocontrol system between the air flow generator and the partition such that the partition is in the partitioning state if the air flow generator is stopped, the partition and the ventilation corridor being produced at least in part in a material inert to the fragrances.

Abstract: A liquid flow monitoring device for monitoring the supply of liquid to a spray nozzle including a deflectable check valve in a liquid supply passage to the spray nozzle, a light sensing device having a light emitter and a light receiver disposed on opposite sides of the check valve, the check valve being deflectable into at least partially obstructing relation to a light beam directed from the light emitter to the light receiver as an incident to liquid flow through the monitoring device to the spray nozzle, and a control system for receiving signals from the sensing device.

Abstract: A fluid ejection device which ejects a fluid includes: an ejection tube which ejects the fluid; a fluid chamber which communicates with the ejection tube; a piezoelectric element capable of changing a volume of the fluid chamber; a controller which controls a drive voltage applied to the piezoelectric element; and a fluid supplying unit which supplies the fluid to the fluid chamber at a predetermined flow rate. If a maximum frequency available to be set of the drive voltage is fmax [Hz] and an amount of change in the volume of the fluid chamber when a maximum value available to be set of the drive voltage is applied to the piezoelectric element to drive the piezoelectric element is V1 [ml], the fluid supplying unit supplies the fluid at the predetermined flow rate above V1×fmax [ml/s].

Abstract: A fluid ejection device includes a fluid chamber, a volume varying unit, a fluid supplying unit, and an ejection pipe. The volume varying unit generates pulsation in the pressure of a fluid in the fluid chamber. The fluid supplying unit supplies the fluid to the fluid chamber through a first channel. The ejection pipe receives the supply of the fluid, in which the pulsation is generated, from the fluid chamber through a second channel and ejects the supplied fluid from an ejection port. In a connecting part to the fluid chamber, the cross-sectional area of the second channel is five times or more as large as the cross-sectional area of the first channel. In the connecting part to the fluid chamber, the first channel and the second channel are arranged to be opposed to each other via the vicinity of the center of the fluid chamber.

Abstract: A liquid ejection device ejecting a liquid in a pulsed manner, includes: an ejection channel that includes an ejection port ejecting the liquid; an actuator that transports pulsed flow to the ejection channel by pressurizing the liquid supplied from outside; a suction channel that includes a suction port capable of sucking the liquid; and a storage container that accommodates a part of the suction channel and the actuator, and in which the ejection channel extends from one end thereof, in which the ejection channel is disposed near the suction channel on a side of the ejection port and is separated from the suction channel by being curved in the storage container, and in which the suction channel is a linear shape or a curved shape having a curvature that is less than that of a curve of the ejection channel in a portion in which the ejection channel is separated.

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 liquid atomizer (1) with battery-powered (1) piezoelectric vibration device (4), of the type timed to occur between alternate activation cycles and rest cycles and including a first electronic supply circuit (2) with an impulse current generator (9) at a relatively high voltage and a second supply circuit (5a) of the piezoelectric vibration device (4) at a relatively low voltage, as well as a switch device (10, 11) apt to connect in alternate phases the supply of the piezoelectric vibration device (4)—in a same actuation cycle—to the first circuit and to the second circuit. An actuation method of the atomizer is also described.

Abstract: A method of operating a dispensing unit includes the steps of applying a power source to a dispensing unit that includes a container and performing a startup procedure in response to applying the power source. The startup procedure also includes the step of performing an activation sequence that discharges a fluid from the container. The method further includes the step of performing an active mode procedure after the startup procedure without providing a lockout period in between. The active mode procedure includes activating a sensor associated with the dispensing unit, performing an activation sequence that discharges the fluid from the container when the sensor detects sensory input, and performing a transition procedure.

Abstract: A system is provided for use with, a wheeled vehicle. The system includes a media reservoir capable of holding a tractive material that includes particulates; a nozzle in fluid communication with the media reservoir; and a media valve in fluid communication with the media reservoir and the nozzle. The media valve is controllable between a first state in which the tractive material flows through the media valve and to the nozzle, and a second state in which the tractive material is prevented from flowing to the nozzle. In the first state, the nozzle receives the tractive material from the media reservoir and directs the tractive material to a contact surface such that the tractive material impacts the contact surface that is spaced from a wheel/surface interface. The system can modify the adhesion or the traction capability of the contact surface with regard to a subsequently contacting wheel.

Abstract: A method of operating a dispensing unit including the steps of applying a power source to a dispensing unit that includes a container and performing a startup procedure in response to applying the power source. The startup procedure includes performing an activation sequence that discharges a fluid from the container. The method further includes the step of performing an active mode procedure after the startup procedure without providing a lockout period in between. The active mode procedure includes activating a motion sensor associated with the dispensing unit, performing an activation sequence that discharges the fluid from the container when the motion sensor detects motion, and performing a transition procedure.

Abstract: Various embodiments are described in which different irrigation controllers in an irrigation control system have machine code having a same code base. In one implementation, a first irrigation control unit comprises a processor and a medium storing a first set of machine code to be executed by the processor. The first set is based on a portion of source code on which a second set of machine code stored in a second irrigation control unit is based, and the first and second sets not identical to each other. The first and second irrigation control units are in a predefined hierarchical control relationship. In one variation, the first and second control units have at least related operating systems. In another variation, a central controller includes machine code developed from at least a portion of the same source code as machine code in a remote controller for simulation or execution purposes.

Abstract: The invention discloses a vivid water bloom shower. An electric generator, a control circuit board and at least one electromagnetic valve are arranged in the seal area of the vivid water bloom shower, the electric generator and the electromagnetic valve are respectively electrically connected with the control circuit board; a water inlet passage, at least one normal water outlet passage and at least one rhythm water outlet passage are arranged in the water passage of the vivid water bloom shower, and the electromagnetic valve is arranged between one water inlet passage and one rhythm water outlet passage. Controlled by the control circuit board, the vivid water bloom shower can adjust water currents along with the music rhythm, thereby enabling a user to enjoy the simulated vivid scenery.

Abstract: Present invention provide a driving device of a liquid discharging head, a liquid discharging apparatus, and an ink jet recording apparatus that are capable of realizing a desired dot shape by suppressing the generation of the meniscus without sacrificing the discharge efficiency or the landing accuracy. According to the present invention, in a case where discharging is performed a plurality of times in one recording period, and one pixel is recorded by using a plurality of droplets, by configuring the wave height change time of a rear-end side wave height change part of the final pulse of a plurality of discharge pulses to be equal to or longer than a quarter of the resonant period Tc and configuring the pulse width of the plurality of discharge pulses to be a half of the resonant period Tc.

Abstract: A method of dispensing a volatile material includes the steps of providing power to a volatile material diffuser having a diffusion element and operating the diffusion element for a first period of time, wherein the diffusion element is continuously activated and deactivated during the period of time at a first duty cycle having a first on time and a first off time. Still further, the method includes the step of operating the diffusion element for a final period of time, wherein the diffusion element is continuously activated and deactivated during the final period of time at a final duty cycle having a final on time and a final off time. The first duty cycle is less than about 100% such that the first off time is greater than about 0 seconds and the final duty cycle is about 100% such that the final off time is about 0 seconds and wherein the final period of time begins after the first period of time has finished.

Abstract: A portable manual vehicle wash assembly including a base removably attachable to a top exterior surface of a vehicle. A hollow pipe is attached to the base and includes an inlet formed at a first end thereof, and an outlet at a second end thereof. The inlet is adapted to receive an end of a first hose in fluid communication with a water source. The outlet is generally directed away from the exterior surface of the vehicle, and has a swivel member attached thereto. The swivel member is connected to a water emitter, typically in the form of a second hose or a spray nozzle.

Abstract: A particle generator is able to generate pure particles for solid or liquid materials with melting points over several hundred degrees Celsius. The material is heated to generate the vapor in a small chamber. Heated nitrogen or some inert gas is used as the carry gas to bring the mixture into a dilution system. As the super saturation ratio of the material is large enough and over a critical value, particles are formed in the dilution system by homogenous nucleation, and grown in the same dilution system as well. The different size distributions and concentrations of the particles can be obtained by varying dilution parameters, such as residence time and dilution ratio.

Abstract: A nozzle assembly for a sprinkler is revealed. The nozzle assembly includes a main channel having a water inlet on one end and a water outlet on the other end thereof The nozzle assembly features on that: an adjustment member for control of water flow is disposed on the main channel, located between the water inlet and the water outlet. The adjustment member is arranged around the main channel. The displacement direction of the adjustment member and the water flow direction of the main channel are not along the same axis, or not parallel to each other. Thus when the nozzle assembly is applied to underground sprinklers; it is hidden from view and is able to prevent others from changing outlet water flow purposely.

Abstract: A toy gun is disclosed that may have a pressurized elastomeric supply bladder in fluid communication with an elastomeric pulse bladder via a trigger valve. The pulse bladder may also be in fluid communication with a pulse nozzle via a pulse valve that is operatively connected to the pulse bladder so that the pulse valve moves from a closed position to an open position when the pulse bladder expands. When the supply bladder is filled with pressurized liquid and the trigger valve is opened, pressurized liquid from the supply bladder is forced into the pulse bladder. As the pulse bladder expands, the expansion eventually causes the pulse valve to open and cause a burst of liquid to be discharged from the pulse bladder through the pulse nozzle.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide an irrigation pop-up with a flexible stem which may be a pulsating or conventional (i.e., non-pulsating) irrigation sprayer or sprinkler. The flexible stem enables an extended stem to be bent instead of being severed, as experienced by traditional irrigation systems, if impacted by an outside force. In one embodiment, the flexible stem contains a lower rigid segment and an upper rigid segment, each having a passageway extending from an inlet, through the segment, to an outlet. An elastic hollow member, such as a rubber tube, is coupled to and in fluid communication with the passageways of the lower and upper rigid segments. Therefore, a water flow path extends from the water inlet, through the passageway within the lower rigid segment, through the channel of the elastic hollow member, through the passageway within the upper rigid segment, and out through the nozzle, such as a sprayer or sprinkler.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying paint and reflective glass beads to a surface that comprises an airless paint sprayer system, a bead dispensing system, a chassis, a power source, and a user-activated control switch. The airless paint sprayer system comprises a paint reservoir, one or more airless spray heads for spraying paint onto the surface, and a pump for pumping paint from the reservoir to the spray heads. The bead dispensing system comprises a bead reservoir, one or more bead dispensing nozzles for dispensing beads onto the paint sprayed onto the surface by the spray heads, an air reservoir for holding pressurized air, one or more pneumatic cylinders configured for opening and closing a corresponding dispensing nozzle, and one or more flow control regulators for controlling air into and out of a corresponding pneumatic cylinder.

Abstract: A device for controlling an irrigation system includes an interrupter for interconnection in a serial manner between a solenoid return common line and a preexisting irrigation timer, a controller for operating the interrupter in a periodic fashion is provided as well as an adjuster, in communication with the controller, for changing the periodicity of the interrupter operation.

Abstract: The handle of a hand shower accommodates a remote control which is triggered by once-only pressure on a key or another deformable element. The remote control contains a piezoelectric radio switch which is accommodated as a closed-off component in the handle. This switch acts on a receiver which is mounted on a wall connection bend and which is connected to a valve in the wall connection bend. The valve can be switched on and switched off with the aid of the remote control in the handle of the hand shower. In the switched-off state, the shower hose is not under pressure.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying paint and reflective glass beads to a surface that comprises an airless paint sprayer system, a bead dispensing system, a chassis, a power source, and a user-activated control switch. The airless paint sprayer system comprises a paint reservoir, one or more airless spray heads for spraying paint onto the surface, and a pump for pumping paint from the reservoir to the spray heads. The bead dispensing system comprises a bead reservoir, one or more bead dispensing nozzles for dispensing beads onto the paint sprayed onto the surface by the spray heads, an air reservoir for holding pressurized air, one or more pneumatic cylinders configured for opening and closing a corresponding dispensing nozzle, and one or more flow control regulators for controlling air into and out of a corresponding pneumatic cylinder.

Abstract: A fragrance device, wherein, a fan, plural number of fragrance material case containing therein fragrance materials, and fragrance selector are installed in a cylindrical container. And, the fragrance device furnishes the characteristic fragrance into the room of motorcar, house or office, by means of the fragrance material cases and fragrance selector being rotated by the air flow exhaled out of the air-conditioning units equipped in the same room.

Abstract: A lotion application compartment (10) consisting of apparatus for topical application of a fluid to a human or animal body, the apparatus comprising a spray nozzle (20) and a support (80) for the body. The apparatus further comprises of one or more of the following: means for moving the support, so as to change the distance between the body and the spray nozzle (20); means for varying the spray pattern, spray pressure, spray frequency and/or spray duty cycle of the nozzle (20); means for varying the rotational speed of the support (80); and means for raising the body's skin temperature directly by radiation.

Abstract: A multifunction shower head (1) for the delivery of a liquid is described, this having a head portion (9) that includes at least one inlet port (2), at least one diffuser (30) having a plurality of outlet ports (3) arranged along at least one circumference and means (13, 14) that include at least one rotating shut-off device (14) to generate, upon command, a continuous jet or a pulsating jet through the plurality of outlet ports (3). The means (13, 14) and the plurality of outlet ports (3) are mutually movable in translation, in approach or moving apart, between a first position, in correspondence to which a continuous jet is delivered, and a second position in correspondence to which a pulsating jet is delivered.

Abstract: A control mechanism for a spreader incorporating a movable material control gate comprises a first limit switch having a fixed position, a linear actuator having a positional member which moves in response to operation of the linear actuator. Movement of the positional member in a first direction causes the positional member to contact the first limit switch to define a closed position of the control gate. The control mechanism also includes a second limit switch mounted to the positional member and an adjustment system comprising a user adjustment device engaged with a linear adjustment member adjustable through a positional linear range. Movement of the adjustment device by a user causes the adjustment member to move within the linear range. Additionally, movement of the positional member in a second direction causes the second limit switch to contact the adjustment member to define an adjustably open position of the control gate.

Abstract: The present invention provides a modular controller that connects to irrigation modules with varying station terminals and a standard footprint size. Additionally, the modular controller includes surge protection options, wireless communication with PDA's and other external devices, no required position for each controller module to be connected, immediate display of station modules on the LCD display, retention of a water program if module is removed, communications module for flow monitoring, a modular transformer, rain sensor receiver within the housing, an improved 9-volt batter holder, and other aspects described in the present application.

Abstract: An ultrasonic waterjet apparatus (10) has a mobile generator module (20) and a high-pressure water hose (40) for delivering high-pressure water from the mobile generator module (20) to a hand-held gun (50) with a trigger and an ultrasonic nozzle (60). An ultrasonic generator in the mobile generator module (20) transmits high-frequency electrical pulses to a piezoelectric or magnetostrictive transducer (62) which vibrates to modulate a high-pressure waterjet flowing through the nozzle (60). The waterjet exiting the ultrasonic nozzle (60) is pulsed into mini slugs of water, each of which imparts a waterhammer pressure on a target surface. The ultrasonic waterjet apparatus (10) may be used to cut and de-burr materials, to clean and de-coat surfaces, and to break rocks. The ultrasonic waterjet apparatus (10) performs these tasks with much greater efficiency than conventional continuous-flow waterjet systems because of the repetitive waterhammer effect.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention includes irrigation control software for a computer that interacts with the features of a plurality of advanced sprinklers, environmental sensors, and other available data. The irrigation control software provides a graphical user interface to create a more efficient irrigation scheduling control interface.

Abstract: Safety features in and for hose-end sprayer bottles. In a first safety arrangement, there is ensured a more hindered transition of a spool (e.g., product/carrier spool) or adjuster from a first setting to a second setting than from the second setting to the first setting, wherein in the first setting no carrier stream is admitted through the sprayer and in the second setting solely a carrier stream is admitted through the sprayer. In a second safety arrangement, there is arrested displacement of a container interface (e.g., bottle swivel) from a second (essentially advanced) position towards a first (essentially initial) position upon the container interface displacing from the first position to the second position.

Abstract: A high-pressure liquid projection assembly for cleaning and/or deburring industrial parts, having a housing with an inlet adapted for connection with a pressurized liquid source, an outlet and a fluid passageway connecting the inlet to the outlet. A fluid chamber is formed in the housing and disposed around an intermediate portion of the passageway. At least one opening is formed in the housing which fluidly connects the chamber to the passageway while a control port on the housing is fluidly connected to the chamber. The control port is adapted to be connected to a variable flow pressurized liquid source to thereby vary the projection cone pattern from the outlet as a function of the valve opening.

Abstract: A timed aerosol fragrance dispenser includes a housing containing a programmable microprocessor, a low-voltage DC power source, a piezoelectric assembly for spraying timed bursts of fragrance, and circuitry for activating the piezoelectric assembly, and a magnetic reed switch air flow detector. A fragrance-containing reservoir attaches to the housing, which incorporates a clip which allows the dispenser to be secured to a heating and air conditioning vent register. When the air flow detector senses air flow from the vent register, the microcontroller in combination with other circuitry generates current pulses having a voltage sufficiently high to activate the piezoelectric assembly. Intervals between pulses are switch selectable. In addition, the normal programming can be overridden to spray fragrance for a set period even in the absence of air flow from the vent register.

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 present invention teaches a car wash wand having a fan mounted thereon which allows the wash wand user to blow the vehicle dry using the same lightweight hand carried device used to wash the car. The fan may be powered by the pressurized water flowing through the wash wand, which may be diverted to a turbine chamber to power the turbine, which in turn provides mechanical power to turn the fan. The wash wand may also have selection devices allowing at least two modes of operation: water coming out versus air coming out, and optionally a third mode of operation in which nothing comes out.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing a substrate has a liquid supply unit, a nozzle unit, a first valve and a second valve. The liquid supply unit has an output port and an input port, and a processing liquid is output from the output port. The nozzle unit has a first port and a second port, and the first port is connected to the output port of the liquid supply unit. The first valve is connected between the second port of the nozzle unit and the input port of the liquid supply unit. The second valve is connected between the second port of the nozzle unit and the output port of the liquid supply unit. Moreover, the switch states of the first and second valves are opposite in order to control whether the nozzle unit spreads the processing liquid on the substrate.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods in which an irrigation management system reduces high peak water use values by utilizing a microprocessor (220) disposed in an irrigation controller (100) to receive peak water use information from a water supplier receive water use information at a consumer site and automatically derive a new irrigation schedule that is at least partly based on the information received. The new irrigation schedule, derived by the microprocessor (220), may include a modification in a default irrigation frequency, a modification in a default irrigation start time(s), 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.

Abstract: A portable, user shoulder supported spreader/blower unit includes an ergonomically configured housing which includes a section defining a storage bin for holding a quantity of salt or like chemical particulate material for spreading onto ground surfaces to prevent icing thereon in winter. A centrifugal distributor disk is located in a housing space section below the bin and, a bin discharge aperture aligns over a peripheral area of the distributor disk. A user controllable closure member selectively alters bin discharge aperture size and, hence, outflow quantity from the bin onto the distributor disk, the distributor disk rotating at high speed propelling particulate material out of the housing through a discharge nozzle thereon at a high speed. e.g., 60 m/sec when the unit is user in a spreader mode.

Abstract: A peristaltic depositing machine includes a hopper to store viscous material. A flexibly deformable tubing section is connected to the hopper for receiving the viscous material. A pair of rollers cooperate to compress tubing section and thereafter move forwardly along the tubing section such that the viscous material is forwardly propagated. A manifold is connected between the hopper and the tubing section to transmit the viscous material there between. A flow control unit is connected to a portion of the tubing section forward of the pair of rollers. The flow control unit alternately constricts and unconstricts the portion of the tubing section in synchronism with the forward movement by the pair of rollers. A nozzle is connected to an output end of said tubing section to shape the viscous material upon output. A carriage is also connected to an output end of the tubing section and moves about a predetermined travel path to thereby direct an output location of the viscous material.

Abstract: A mist sprayer includes a base, a pump, a pressure storage member, a circuit board, a mounting tube, an injection unit, a decorative shade, a mounting seat, a guide unit, a bottle, and a plug. Thus, the liquid is mixed with and atomized by the pressurized gas and the misted gas hits the striking face of the guide unit to multiple misted molecules, thereby enhancing and optimizing the atomized effect of the liquid.

Abstract: A method of periodically spraying live plants and/or animals, using a portable electric sprayer, is described and claimed. In the preferred embodiments, the portable electric sprayer includes: (i) a fluid reservoir; (ii) a nozzle for producing a spray of fluid; (iii) a conduit between the fluid reservoir and the nozzle; (iv) an electric pump coupled so as to pump fluid from the reservoir, through the conduit and out of nozzle; and (v) a control panel. In addition, a control circuit in the portable electric sprayer accepts the user settings from the control panel, and activates and deactivates the electric pump when indicated by the user settings. The nozzle is directed so as to provide the sprays toward at least one of: a terrarium, a bird cage, an aviary, a garden or a potted plant, and the portable electric sprayer is allowed to cycle through a plurality of the sprays while unattended.

Abstract: This invention is to improve the reproducibility and yield in separating a bonded substrate stack. A bonded substrate stack having a porous layer inside is held by substrate holding portions 105 and 106, and a fluid is injected from a nozzle to the porous layer of the bonded substrate stack, thereby separating the bonded substrate stack at the porous layer. The variation in pressure of the fluid is suppressed within a predetermined range by a servo-driven pump.

Abstract: Valve for the periodic and cyclic or otherwise intermittent release of a fluid is described along with an irrigation sprinkler incorporating the valve. The valve opens when a critical pressure level is reached in a reservoir attached to the valve, thereby permitting a portion of the fluid contained within the reservoir to be released through the valve. As the fluid is released, the pressure in the reservoir decreases. The valve does not close until the pressure level in the reservoir reaches a second pressure level that is below the critical pressure level. When the reservoir is refilled from a pressurized source at a controlled rate that is less the rate at which the fluid is expelled through the valve when open, the valve will cycle repetitively.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for picking and collecting fruit from fruit trees comprising a fruit picking assembly including a water cannon to selectively impact fruit to be picked with a water slug to detach the fruit from the fruit tree and a fruit collecting assembly disposed beneath the fruit picking assembly to catch the fruit detatched from the fruit tree.

Abstract: Valve for the periodic and cyclic or otherwise intermittent release of a fluid is described along with an irrigation sprinkler incorporating the valve. The valve opens when a critical pressure level is reached in a reservoir attached to the valve, thereby permitting a portion of the fluid contained within the reservoir to be released through the valve. As the fluid is released, the pressure in the reservoir decreases. The valve does not close until the pressure level in the reservoir reaches a second pressure level that is below the critical pressure level. When the reservoir is refilled from a pressurized source at a controlled rate that is less the rate at which the fluid is expelled through the valve when open, the valve will cycle repetitively.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a water director for distributing a surge or flow of water to one or more of a plurality of output ports, which can vary in shape, size, and number, typically for use in marine and fresh water aquariums. Water pumped through a conduit into the hermetically sealed Switching Current Water Director (SCWD), powers an internally mounted gear driven fluid motor, which turns a rotational valve, alternately opening and closing a plurality of water outlet ports. When mounted externally to an aquarium, proper placement of output nozzles, which are connected to a water conduit attached to the various SCWD outlet ports, provides the desired opposing, or switching back and fourth currents. Depending on the inlet and outlet port configuration, the SCWD can be adapted to suit many applications.

Abstract: A water irrigation system includes a dripper tube having a plurality of water discharge openings along its length for discharging water at a slow rate from each opening; and a pulsator device connecting a water supply conduit to the dripper tube and producing a pulsatile water flow to the dripper tube having a frequency substantially exceeding one cycle per second (CPS). In a described preferred embodiment, the pulsator device is connected to the dripper tube by a connecting tube of a length and cross-sectional area such as to produce a resonant feedback system with the pulsator device producing a pulsatile water flow to the dripper tube having a frequency exceeding 10 CPS.