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Sprinkler flow control systems |
| RE31204 |
Sprinkler flow control systems
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| Patent Drawings: | |
| Inventor: |
Sanner |
| Date Issued: |
April 12, 1983 |
| Application: |
06/024,685 |
| Filed: |
March 28, 1979 |
| Inventors: |
Sanner; George E. (Sparks, MD)
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| Assignee: |
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| Primary Examiner: |
Chambers; A. Michael |
| Assistant Examiner: |
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| Attorney Or Agent: |
LeBlanc, Nolan, Shur & Nies |
| U.S. Class: |
137/356; 137/377; 137/624.15; 137/78.3; 220/326; 239/63; 239/70; 307/118; 340/602 |
| Field Of Search: |
137/78R; 137/78A; 137/78C; 137/78D; 137/356; 137/377; 137/382; 137/624.11; 137/624.12; 137/624.13; 137/624.15; 137/624.16; 137/624.17; 248/219.2; 251/367; 239/63; 239/64; 239/65; 239/66; 239/67; 239/70; 200/61.04; 200/61.05; 307/118; 340/602; 220/324; 220/326 |
| International Class: |
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| U.S Patent Documents: |
1119968; 1300712; 1961181; 2192578; 2599862; 2754150; 2786596; 3118606; 3283781; 3361356; 3407997; 3483673; 3500844; 3672391; 3848616; 3915185 |
| Foreign Patent Documents: |
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| Other References: |
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| Abstract: |
Fluid flow control systems for lawn sprinkling flow control systems which include rain override means and continuously available rain alarm signals during rainfall. Provisions are provided to prevent valve flutter during light or intermittent rainfall by means of conventional time delay relays. A novel, simple, and economic hermetically sealed outdoor casing is provided. Use of unique remote transformer plug and cord insures consumer product safety compliance against electrical shock hazzard. |
| Claim: |
What is claimed and desired to be secured by letters Patent is: .[.1. A flow control for a fluid flow system having a fluid conduit with an electrically actuated flow control valve therein, comprising: astep-down transformer providing means for reducing a source of operating voltage to a source of low operating voltage; a first circuit means for connecting the said source of low operating voltage to the valve actuator; a first switching means comprisingtiming means for automatically completing said first circuit means to energize the said valve actuator and thereby open the said valve and allow a flow of fluid through said conduit for a predetermined period of time, and upon completion of the said timeperiod, said first switching means interrupts said first circuit means continuity causing said valve actuator to be de-energized, said valve to close, and terminate said fluid flow through said conduit; a second switching means comprising an electricallyactuated, single pole, double contact, switch with a switch actuator, which when energized, causes a first contact to open and a second contact is closed, and when said switch actuator is de-energized, said first contact is closed and said second contactis opened; said first contact connected in series with said source of low operating voltage, said first switching means, and said valve actuator all in said first circuit means, and, upon energization of said switch actuator, causes said first contact toopen, continuity of said first circuit means is interrupted, thereby, overriding said first switching means, de-energizing said valve actuator, causing said valve to open, and terminating said fluid flow therethrough; said series connected circuit which,upon de-energization of said swich actuator, causes said first contact to close, restoring control of said first switching means, completing continuity of said first circuit means, energizing said valve actuator, causing said valve to open, and saidfluid to flow therethrough; said second contact of said second switching means connected in series with a second circuit means and said source of low operating voltage, such that when said switch actuator is energized, the said second contact closesenergizing the said second circuit means with the said source of low operating voltage, and when the said switch actuator is de-energized, said second contact opens removing the said source of low operating voltage from the said second circuit means; athird circuit means comprising said switch actuator, third circuit conductor means, and said source of low operating voltage all in series with a planimetric rain switch which, when closed, completes the continuity of said third circuit means, and whensaid rain switch is open, continuity of said third circuit means is interrupted; said planimetric rain switch comprising an insulated member having a surface which is adapted to be oriented to receive rain thereon, with first and second spaced apartconductor means disposed on said surface and connected to said third circuit conductor means which are adapted to be electrically connected by rain on said insulating surface, completing the continuity in said third circuit means, energizing said switchactuator, causing said first contact to open, overriding said first switching means, interrupting said first circuit means, de-energizing said valve actuator, closing said valve, terminating said fluid flow therethrough; and, upon cessation of said rainon said insulating surface, interrupting said third circuit means, de-energizing said switch actuator, causing said first contact to close, and restoring control of said valve actuator to said first switching means substantially conterminously with saidrain cessation..]. .[.2. The flow control of claim 1 wherein the said second switching means comprises: time delay means causing said first contact to open and said second contact to close at the end of a first given predetermined time interval after thesaid relay actuator is energized; and said time delay means causing said first contact to close and said second contact to open immediately upon de-energization of said relay actuator..]. .[.3. The flow control of claim 2 wherein the said predeterminedtime interval is adjustable..]. .[.4. The flow control of claim 3 wherein said timer means comprises a timer providing multiple, contiguous, predeterminable, selectable, time control intervals within any given hourly time period, and wherein, any numberof said selectable time control intervals may be selected in any given 24 hour time period, comprising: means for selecting said selectable time control intervals by means of moveable mechanical tabs disposed radially and perpendicular to the peripheralextremity of a time wheel; timer operating means for causing said time wheel to repetitively complete one revolution in each said 24 hour time period; said tabs, and timer switch operating means, causing an electrical timer switch contact to be actuatedduring the said predetermined, selectable, time control intervals; and said timer switch electrical contact is connected in series with said first circuit means..]. .[.5. The flow control of claim 4 wherein the said selectable time control intervals,occuring during any combination of said 24 hour time periods, within a given continuous time period comprising 14 consecutive said 24 hour time periods, may be overriden by means, comprising: a 14 day time wheel driven by the said 24 hour time wheel suchthat said 14 day time wheel completes 1/14 of a revolution for each revolution completed by the said 24 hour time wheel; said 14 day time wheel comprising 14 mechanically positionable tabs equally spaced circumferentially along the peripheral extremityof the said 14 day time wheel; and said 14 day time wheel tabs selectively positionable to override the said timer switch operating means and said electrical timer switch contact and thereby prevent the actuation of said switch contact during anycombination of said 24 hour time periods within the said given continuous time period..]. .[.6. The flow control of claim 5 in combination with a third switching means incorporated in the said first circuit means providing an "automatic" mode ofoperation wherein said valve actuator is energized by said first and said second switching means in said first circuit means, an "inoperative" mode of operation wherein said valve actuator is disconnected from said first circuit means, and a "manual"mode of operation wherein said valve actuator is electrically connected directly to the said source of low operating voltage, comprising: a single pole, three contact mode switch providing, in conjunction with said switch pole, a first, second and thirdswitch contact position; said "automatic" mode of operation in which, said mode switch first contact is closed, and said valve actuator is connected in series with said first switching means, said second switching means first contact, and said source oflow operating voltage, causing said valve actuator to be actuated when said first switching means and said second switching means first contact are closed; said "inoperative" mode of operation in which said mode switch second contact is closed, and saidvalve actuator is disconnected from said first circuit means, causing said valve actuator to remain de-energized independently of said first switching means and said second switching means; and said "manual" mode of operation in which, said mode switchthird contact is closed, said valve actuator is electrically connected directly to the said source of low operating voltage, and said mode switch third contact is connected to the said single pole of the said second switching means, thereby, energizingthe said valve actuator independently of said first and second switching means..]. .[.7. The flow control of claim 6 in combination with said second circuit means comprising: a rain alarm means which signals during rainfall duration; and said rain alarmthat is operative during said rainfall duration independently of said first switching means thereby indicating the presence and absence of said rainfall independently of the operational status of the said first switching means..]. .[.8. The flow controlof claim 7 in combination with a three position fourth switching means, comprising: a simultaneous audible and visual alarm signal during rainfall when said fourth switching means are in a first position; no alarm signal during rainfall when said fourthswitching means are in a second position; and a visual alarm signal during rainfall when said fourth switching means are in a third position..]. .[.9. The flow control of claim 8 in combination with means for controlling an additional fluid controllingor effecting device, comprising: a fourth circuit means comprising fourth circuit conductor means, remote valve actuator, remote valve and remote conduit coupled to said valve; said fourth circuit conductor means connected in parallel with said valveactuator; said remote valve actuator connected in parallel with said fourth conductor means causing said remote valve actuator to be energized and de-energized substantially conterminously with the energization and de-energization of said valve actuator;and said remote valve controlling flow of said additional fluid in said additional conduit substantially conterminously with flow of said fluid in said conduit..]. .[.10. The flow control of claim 9 wherein said first circuit means is reduced to a fifthcircuit means by removing said step-down transformer from said first circuit means and remotely disposing said transformer into a sixth circuit means that reduces the said source of operating voltage to the said source of low operating voltage, saidsixth circuit means, comprising: a hermetically sealed plug casing in the interior cavity of which, is disposed the said step-down transformer and attached to, and protruding from, the exterior surface of said plug casing is a conventional hermeticallysealed 3-pin grounded plug that plugs into a conventional grounded electrical service outlet receptacle; said plug casing is self-supporting when attached to said electrical service outlet receptacle by means of said 3-pin grounded plug; two line pins ofsaid 3-pin grounded plug connected to said step-down transformer primary coil in said sixth circuit means; ground pin of said 3-pin grounded plug connected to said plug casing; said step-down transformer secondary coil connected to a multiple-conductorextension cable thereby connecting the said source of low operating voltage in said sixth circuit means to the said fifth circuit means; and one ground conductor, of said multiple-conductor extension cable, connected to said plug casing and providinggrounding circuit continuity for said second, said third, said fourth, and said fifth circuit means..]. .[.11. The combination of claim 10 wherein the said primary coil and the said secondary coil, of the said step-down transfer, are wound and supportedon a coil core frame that is an integral continuation of the said plug casing cavity wall interior surface; exterior surface of said plug casing is constructed of electrically insulated material; said coil core frame is constructed of thermallyconductive material which protrudes through said plug casing causing heat, generated by said step-down transformer, to be radiated away from said plug casing; and said plug casing mechanically and thermally connected to said ground pin of said 3-pingrounded plug providing a thermal conduit for heat, generated in said step-down transformer coil core frame, to flow into said conventional electrical service grounded outlet receptacle..]. .[.12. The combination of claim 11 wherein the said step-downtransformer is of energy limiting, grounded-barrier, type and said grounded-barrier is electrically connected to said coil core frame, to said plug casing, to said ground pin of said 3-pin grounded plug, and to said ground conductor of saidmultiple-conductor extension cable..]. .[.13. The flow control of claim 12 wherein the said second switching means comprises: time delay means causing said first contact to open and said second contact to close at the end of the said first givenpredetermined time interval after the said switch actuator is energized; and said time delay means causing said first contact to close and said second contact to open at the end of a second given predetermined time interval after the said switch actuatoris de-energized..]. .[.14. The flow control of claim 13 wherein the length of the said first given predetermined time interval and the length of the said second given predetermined time interval are adjustable..]. .[.15. A flow control for a flow controlsystem comprising: a casing having a main casing member that is of right circular cylindrical configuration, a bottom cover fitted into and fixed to said main casing member at one end thereof, a panel affixed to and closing said casing member at theopposite end thereof, said bottom cover having a flat portion spanning said main casing member with a flange around the periphery of said bottom cover flat portion abutting the interior of said main casing member, and said panel having a flat portionspanning said main casing member with a flange around the periphery of said panel flat portion, peripheral extremity of said panel flange in contiguous circumferential abuttment with the peripheral extremity of said main casing member; insertedcontiguously between the said panel flange peripheral extremity and the said main casing member peripheral extremity a continuous annular gasket, the said panel flange peripheral extremity is sandwiched circumferentially into the upper annular face ofthe said gasket, and the opposite annular face of the said gasket is telescoped over the said main casing member peripheral extremity thereby providing a heremetic seal between the exterior surface of said panel and the interior surface of the said maincasing member; a top cover comprising a frustoconical portion and a cylindrical portion the peripheral extremity of which is telescoped over the exterior surface of the said panel peripheral flange and abutts circumferentially the said upper annular faceof the said annular gasket thereby providing a hermetical seal between the exterior surface of the said top cover and the exterior surface of the said panel; a fluid flow valve with an electrically operated actuator housed in said casing, said actuatorbeing operable on voltage available at an electrical power source located externally of said casing; valve operating means in said casing for energizing and de-energizing the valve actuator to open and close the valve thereby control the flow of fluidtherethrough said valve operating means comprising a timer having a switch and switch operating means for opening and closing said switch in an automatic repetative cycle; a single electrical conductor means extending from the interior to the exterior ofsaid casing for connecting said valve operating means to said external electrical power source conductors in said casing connecting said valve actuator to said conductor means in series with said switch and for connecting said conductor means to saidswitch operating means; manually manipulatable connection means disposed on the exterior side of said casing to which fluid supply and delivery means can be coupled; and means providing fluid communication from said connection means through said casingmeans to the inlet and outlet of said fluid flow valve..]. .[.16. The flow control unit of claim 15 in combination with a hinge connecting the said top cover to the said main casing member wherein: leaves of said hinge span the said annular gasket andthe longitudinal pivot axis of the said hinge is located with respect to the said top cover and the said annular gasket to minimize the distance between peripheral extremity of said top cover and said upper annular face of said gasket when the said topcover is rotated to its maximum open position; means for attaching said hinge to cylindrical surface of said main casing member and to cylindrical surface of said top cover wherein said hinge leaves are longitudinally arced while said hinge axis islongitudinally straight and parallel to axis of said hinge leaves; means to limit angular movement of said hinged top cover with respect to said main casing to a predetermined maximum limit by disposition of a mechanical limit on one leaf of said hinge,the extent of the angular rotation of the juxtapositional said hinge leaf being determined by the said mechanical limit..]. .[.17. The combination of claim 16 wherein the said hinge is spring loaded causing the said top cover peripheral extremity toabutt the said upper annular face of the said annular gasket providing a hermetic seal between the said exterior surface of the said top cover and the exterior surface of the said panel..]. .[.18. The combination of claim 17 wherein a draw pull catch isdisposed on the exterior surface of the said main casing at a point that is diametrically opposite the said hinge; a strike is disposed on the exterior surface of the said top cover; the loop of the said draw pull catch spans the said annular gasket andengages the said strike; causes the said top cover to hermetically seal to the said upper plane of the said annular gasket when said draw pull catch is actuated; and means wherein said draw pull catch may be locked in a closed or in an open position..]..[.19. The flow control of claim 18 wherein the said timer is disposed upon, and supported by, the said panel; said timer means and said timer switch operating means disposed on the exterior surface of said panel being non-electrical; said timer means,said time switch, and said timer operating means disposed on the interior surface of said panel,
being electrical; said timer operating means, disposed on the interior surface of said panel motivating the said timer disposed on the exterior surface of said panel, by means of a single rotating drive shaft that protrudes through ahermetically sealed bushing extending from said panel interior surface to said panel exterior surface; and said timer switch operating means disposed on said panel exterior surface actuating said timer switch operating means and said timer switch,disposed on said panel interior surface, by means of an angularly oscillating drive shaft means protruding through a hermetically sealed bushing extending from said panel interior surface to said panel exterior surface..]. .[.20. The flow control ofclaim 19 in combination with a three position mode control switch disposed on the said panel; in one position said mode control switch connects said valve actuator to said valve operating means causing the opening and closing of said valve to becontrolled by said timer; in a second position said mode control switch disconnects said valve actuator from said valve operating means thereby making said valve actuator inoperative; in a third position said mode control switch overrides said valveoperating means and connects said valve actuator directly to said single electrical conductor means, extending said external electrical power to said casing interior, thereby actuating said valve actuator; and said mode control switch is disposed on saidpanel interior surface and is actuated by mechanical control means protruding through a hermetically sealed bushing extending from said panel interior surface to said panel exterior surface..]. .[.21. The flow control of claim 20 wherein said valve isdisposed on said bottom cover interior surface with said fluid communication means connecting said valve inlet and said valve outlet to said connection fluid supply and delivery means, said fluid communication means comprising: an inlet pipe fittingbetween said connection supply means and said valve inlet, and an outlet pipe fitting between said valve outlet and said connection delivery means; said inlet pipe fitting and said outlet pipe fitting of conventional plumbing type with an annularshoulder flange at both inlet port and outlet port of each said fitting; said outlet port, of said inlet fitting, attached to said valve inlet, and said inlet port of said inlet fitting attached to, and protruding through, said bottom cover; said inletport of said outlet fitting attached to said valve outlet, and said outlet port, of said outlet fitting, attached to, and protruding through, said bottom cover; said inlet port shoulder flange of said inlet fitting, and said outlet port shoulder flangeof said outlet fitting, partially removed by undercutting to provide for each said flange a cylindrical tube of reduced outside diameter with one extremity of each cylindrical tube concentrically orthogonal to and abutting remaining portion of each saidshoulder flange; an annular hermetic seal placed concentrically over each said cylindrical tube, of said reduced outside diameter, and abutting circumferentially the annular face of the said remaining portion of the said shoulder flange on the said inletport of said inlet fitting and on said outlet port of said outlet fitting; said flow valve, said inlet fitting, said outlet fitting and said annular hermetic seals assembled on said bottom cover interior surface, each said cylindrical tube extendingthrough a circular hole in said bottom cover, thereby, sandwiching said annular gasket between said annular faces of said remaining shoulder flanges and the said bottom cover; each said cylindrical tube having an annular slot undercut on the outsidesurface of said tube adjacent to the said bottom cover exterior surface; a spring tensioner, beveled, annular snap ring inserted into each said undercut slot and circumferentially gripping each said cylindrical tube; each said beveled snap ring exertingforce against said bottom cover exterior surface, thereby, compressing each said annular seal between each said undercut shoulder flange and said bottom cover interior surface, causing a hermetic seal between said bottom cover exterior surface and saidbottom cover interior surface; and causing said valve and said fluid communication means to be self supporting on said bottom cover..]. .[.22. The flow control of claim 21 wherein said single electrical conductor means, comprise: a hermetically sealedmultiple-conductor cable extending remotely from said casing to said external electrical power source; one extremity of said cable having a grounded conductor connected to said casing, additional conductors connected to said valve operating means in saidcasing interior, and the opposite extremity of said cable connected to said electrical power source by means of a hermetically sealed electrical plug casing; said plug casing provided with a conventional hermetically sealed 3-pin grounded plug that plugsinto a conventional grounded electrical service outlet receptable, thereby, connecting said valve operating means to said external electrical power source; a step-down transformer mounted in the interior of said plug casing, primary leads of saidtransformer connected to line pins of said 3-pin grounded plug, and secondary leads of said transformer connected to conductors in said multiple-conductor cable thereby providing a source of low operating voltage to said valve operating means; ground pinof said 3-pin grounded plug connected to said plug casing and to conductor in said multiple-conductor cable; said step-down transformer coil core frame extended through and protruding from said plug casing exterior surface and, thereon, attached tocooling fins which radiate heat generated by said transformer; one extremity of said multiple-conductor plug extension cable terminated in said casing, and opposite extremity thereof, terminated in said plug casing by means of moulded strain reliefterminations which provide a hermetic seal between exterior surface of said multiple-conductor cable and interiors of both the said casing and the said plug casing; and a thin disc of low durometer hermetic sealing material spanning exterior surface faceof said 3-pin grounded plug, said three pins extending therethrough, providing a hermetic seal between exterior surface of said plug casing and interior of said electrical service outlet receptable..]. .[.23. The flow control of claim 22 comprising: anelectrical connector means accessible from the exterior of said flow control casing; and means connecting said connector means in parallel with the said valve actuator of said fluid flow valve, whereby without requiring access to the interior of saidcasing, a further fluid flow controlling or effecting device can be connected to said valve operating means for energizing and de-energizing said device coterminously with the energization and de-energization of said valve actuator..].
.[. Theflow control of claim 23 wherein the said flow control casing is attached to one extremity of a vertical, cylindrical stanchion by means of a cylindrical cap; exterior flat circular surface of said cap centrally abutts, and is attached to, the exteriorsurface of the said bottom cover; a center hole extends from said bottom cover interior surface to the interior surface of said cap; a hermetically sealed bushing is placed in said hole; cylindrical wall interior surface of said cap is telescoped overexterior surface at one extremity of said vertical stanchion, thereby, providing means for supporting said flow control casings; and said multiple-conductor cable enters said flow control casing through said sealed bushing, and through a slotted openingat one extremity of said stanchion, said opening abutting peripheral extremity of said cap..]. .[.25. The flow control of claim 24 wherein a diametric hole extends continuously through the telescoped together contiguous walls of the said cap and thesaid vertical cylindrical stanchion extremity; extended through said diametric hole, a section of solid cylindrical rod having a circular flanged head at one extremity thereof, and a hole located diametrically through the said rod at the oppositeextremity thereof; and a pad-lock shackle passed through the said diametric hole of the said rod, thereby locking said rod in place and preventing theft of the said flow control..]. .[.26. The flow control of claim 24 in combination with a time delayrelay disposed in the interior of said flow control casing, comprising: said time delay relay having an actuator and a single movable pole, double contact, switch comprising a first and second contact; said timer switch, said valve actuator, said modeswitch first contact and said step-down transformer secondary, all connected in series with said relay first contact; when said timer switch, said mode switch first contact and said relay first contact are closed said valve actuator is energized andsaid valve is opened; said relay first contact opens, and said relay second contact closes, at the end of a given first predetermined time interval or delay, afer said relay actuator is energized, thereby, providing a said first predetermined time delaybetween said relay actuator energization and said valve actuator de-energization; and said relay first contact closes, and said relay second contact opens immediately upon de-energization of said relay actuator, thereby, causing immediate de-energizingof the said valve actuator when said relay actuator is de-energized..]. .[.27. The flow control of claim 26 wherein the length of the said first predetermined time interval is adjustable..]. .[.28. The flow control of claim 27 wherein the said relayactuator, relay actuator conductor means and the said step-down transformer secondary are all connected in series with a planimetric rain switch, comprising: an insulating member having a surface which is adapted to be oriented to receive rain, thereon,and first and second spaced apart conductor means on said surface connected to said relay actuator conductor means, which are adapted to be electrically connectedd by precipitation on said insulating surface and, thereby, complete the continuity of thesaid relay actuator and said transformer secondary circuit, causing the said relay actuator to be energized, said relay first contact to open, said valve actuator to be de-energized, and said valve to close; upon cessation of said precipitation, saidspaced apart conductor means continuity is interrupted causing said relay actuator to be de-energized, said relay first contact to close, said valve actuator to be energized, and said valve to open; said planimetric rain switch disposed on the exteriorsurface of said frustoconical top cover flat surface angularly mounted in the interior of a section of right circular cylinder, one peripheral extremity of which abutts the peripheral extremity of a rigid wire screen disc, and the opposite peripheralextremity of said cylinder is supported parallel to, and spaced slightly apart from said top cover exterior surface, enabling precipitation to enter said cylinder interior through said screen, impinge upon said insulating surface of said planimetric rainswitch, gravity flow from said insulating surface, and exit from between said last mentioned right circular cylinder peripheral extremity and said top cover exterior surface; said spaced apart conductor means on said rain switch insulating surfaceconnected to said relay actuator conductor means by means of a hermetically sealed rain switch cable extending from said spaced apart conductors through the said frustoconical cover flat surface by means of a hermetically sealed bushing that extends fromthe exterior surface to the interior surface of the said frustoconical cover; and said rain switch cable extending radially along the interior surface of the said frustoconical cover and perpendicular to said hinge axis, extending through the said panelby means of a second said hermetically sealed bushing that extends from the exterior surface to the interior surface of the said panel..]. .[.29. The flow control of claim 28 wherein the said rain switch cable is formed into a coil comprising severalturns; peripheral plane of said coil is orthogonal to the axis of said rain switch cable and said coil is formed in a fully contracted position wherein each said turn is congruent with, and consecutively contiguous to the preceeding said turn; saidcoil is located adjacent to, and perpendicular to, the said hinge axis at the juncture of said top cover and said panel, and axis of said coil is perpendicular to exterior surface of said panel; when the peripheral extremity of the said top covercircumferentially abutts the said panel peripheral flange, said coil is in a fully contracted position; when said top cover is rotated, with respect to said panel, to the said predetermined maximum limit, and coil is in a fully expanded position,providing a flexible expansion cable pivot between the said top cover and the said panel; and protecting said rain switch cable from flexure breakage when said top cover is repeatedly opened and closed..]. .[.30. The flow control of claim 29 incombination with an audio-visual rain alarm remotely connected to said flow control by means of an alarm extension cable, said rain alarm housed in an alarm casing, comprising: an electrically actuated audible buzzer, visual indicator light and a doublepole, three position, rain alarm selector switch; said relay second contact connected in series with a first conductor, at a first extremity of said alarm cable, and one terminal of said step-down transformer secondary coil; a second conductor at saidfirst extremity of said alarm cable connected to remaining terminal of said step-down transformer secondary, thereby providing said source of low operating voltage to said rain alarm when said time delay relay second contact is closed; oppositeextremity of said alarm cable terminated in said alarm casing with a first conductor from said opposite extremity connected to each pole terminal of said alarm switch, a second conductor from said opposite extremity of said alarm cable connected to oneterminal of said buzzer coil and to one terminal of said visual indicator light, opposite terminals of said buzzer coil and said visual indicator light each connected to a terminal of one pair of said alarm switch terminals providing said switchcontinuity when said alarm switch is in a first position, said visual indicator light opposite terminal also connected to one terminal of a third pair of said alarm switch terminals providing said switch continuity when said alarm switch is in a thirdposition, and a second pair of said alarm switch terminals are disconnected providing no said switch continuity when the said alarm switch is in a second position; and thereby providing during rainfall, a simultaneous audible and visual alarm when saidalarm switch is in said first position, no alarm when said alarm is in said second position, and a visual alarm when said selector switch is in said third position..]. .[.31. The flow control of claim 30 wherein the said time delay relay comprises:time delay means causing said first contact to open and said second contact to close at the end of the said first given predetermined time interval after the said switch actuator is energized; and said time delay means causing said first contact toclose and said second contact to open at the end of a second given predetermined time interval after the said switch actuator is de-energized..]. .[.32. The flow control of claim 31 wherein the length of the said first predetermined time interval andthe length of the said second predetermined time interval are adjustable..]. .[.33. A flow control for a flow control system, comprising: a main casing member that is of right circular cylindrical configuration, a bottom cover fitted into and fixed tosaid casing member at one end thereof, a top cover affixed to and closing said casing member at the opposite end thereof, said bottom cover having a flat portion spanning said main casing member with a flange around the periphery on said bottom coverflat portion abutting that interior of said main casing member, and said top cover having a flat portion spanning said main casing member with a flange around the periphery of said top cover flat portion, peripheral extremity of said top cover flange incontiguous circumferential abuttment with the peripheral extremity of said main casing member; inserted contiguously between the said top cover flange peripheral extremity and the said main casing member peripheral extremity, a continuous annulargasket, the said top cover flange peripheral extremity is sandwiched circumferentially into the upper annular face of the said gasket, and the opposite annular face of the said gasket is telescoped over the said main casing member peripheral extremity,thereby providing a hermetic seal between the exterior surface of said panel and the interior surface of said main casing member; a fluid flow valve with an electrically operated actuator housed in said casing, said actuator being operable on voltageavailable at an electric power source located external of said casing; a single electrical conductor means extending from the interior to the exterior of said casing for connecting said valve actuator to said external electrical power source; manuallymanipulatable connection means disposed on the exterior side of said casing to which fluid supply and delivery means can be coupled; and means providing fluid communication from said connection means through said casing means to the inlet and outlet ofsaid fluid flow valve..].
.[. 4. The flow control of claim 33 wherein the said fluid communication means comprise: an inlet pipe fitting between said connection supply means and said valve inlet, and an outlet pipe fitting between said valve outlet and said connectiondelivery means; said inlet pipe fitting and said outlet pipe fitting of conventional plumbing type with an annular shoulder flange at both inlet port and outlet port of each said fitting; said outlet port, of said inlet fitting, attached to said valveinlet, and said inlet port of said inlet fitting attached to, and protruding through, said bottom cover; said inlet port of said outlet fitting attached to said valve outlet, and said outlet port, of said outlet fitting, attached to, and protrudingthrough, said bottom cover; said inlet port shoulder flange of said inlet fitting, and said outlet port shoulder flange of said outlet fitting, partially removed by undercutting to provide for each said flange a cylindrical tube of reduced outsidediameter with one extremity of each said cylindrical tube concentrically orthogonal to and abutting remaining portion of each said shoulder flange; an annular hermetic seal placed concentrically over each said cylindrical tube, of said reduced outsidediameter, and abutting circumferentially the annular face of the said remaining portion of the said shoulder flange on the said inlet port of said inlet fitting and on said outlet port of said outlet fitting; said flow valve, said inlet fitting, saidoutlet fitting and said annular hermetic seals assembled on said bottom cover interior surface, each said cylindrical tube extending through a circular hole in said bottom cover, thereby, sandwiching said annular gasket between said annular faces of saidremaining shoulder flanges and the said bottom cover; each said cylindrical tube having an annular slot undercut on the outside surface of said tube adjacent to the said bottom cover exterior surface; a spring tensioned, beveled, annular snap ringinserted into each said undercut slot and circumferentially gripping each said cylindrical tube; each said beveled snap ring exerting force against said bottom cover exterior surface, thereby, compressing each said annular seal between each saidundercut shoulder flange and said bottom cover interior surface, causing a hermetic seal between said bottom cover exterior surface and said bottom cover interior surface; and causing said valve and said fluid communication means to be self supportingon said bottom cover..]. .[.35. The flow control of claim 34 wherein the said flow control casing is attached at one extremity of a vertical, cylindrical, stanchion by means of a cylindrical cap; exterior flat circular surface of said cap centrallyabutts and is attached to, the exterior surface of the said bottom cover; a center hole extends from said bottom cover interior surface to the interior surface of said cap; a hermetically sealed bushing is placed in said hole; cylindrical wallinterior surface of said cap is telescoped over exterior surface at one extremity of said vertical stanchion, thereby, providing means for supporting said flow control casing; and said single conductor means enters said flow control casing through saidsealed bushing, and through a slotted opening at one extremity of said stanchion, said opening abutting peripheral extremity of said cap..]. .[.36. The flow control of claim 35 in combination with a time delay relay disposed in the interior of saidcasing, comprising: an electrically actuated single pole, single contact, switch with a relay switch actuator which, when energized, causes said contact to open and when de-energized causes said contact to close; time delay means causing said contact toopen at the end of a given predetermined time interval after the said relay actuator is energized; means to close the said contact immediately following de-energization of the said relay actuator; said contact connected in series with said valveactuator, said electrical conductor means, and said power source; when said contact is open said valve actuator is interrupted causing said valve to close; and when said contact is closed said valve actuator is energized by said electrical conductormeans and said power source causing said valve to open..]. .[.37. The flow control of claim 36 wherein the said switch actuator, and said power source are all connected in series with a planimetric rain switch, comprising: an insulating member having asurface which is adapted to be oriented to receive rain thereon, and first and second spaced apart conductor means, on said surface, connected in series with said power source and said relay actuator; said spaced apart conductor means adapted to beelectrically connected by precipitation on said insulating surface thereby completing the continuity of said relay actuator and said power source series circuit causing said relay actuator to be energized, opening said contact, deenergizing said valveactuator, and closing said valve; upon cessation of said precipitation said spaced apart conductor means continuity is interrupted, causing said series circuit continuity to be interrupted, de-energizing said relay actuator, closing said contact,energizing said valve actuator, and opening said valve; said planimetric rain switch disposed on the exterior surface of said top cover, angularly mounted in the interior of a section of right circular cylinder, one peripheral extremity of which abuttsthe peripheral extremity of a rigid wire screen disc and the opposite peripheral extremity of said cylinder is supported parallel to, and slightly apart from said top cover exterior surface enabling precipitation to enter said cylinder interior throughsaid screen, impinge upon said insulating surface of said planimetric rain switch, gravity flow from said insulating surface, and exit from between last mentioned said right circular cylinder peripheral extremity and said top cover exterior surface; andsaid spaced apart conductor means on said rain switch insulating surface connected into the said relay actuator, and said power source series circuit, by means of a hermetically sealed cable extending from said spaced apart conductors through the saidtop cover by means of a hermetically sealed bushing that extends from the exterior surface to the interior surface of the said top cover..]. .[.38. A flow control for a flow control system comprising: a casing having a main frustoconical casing memberthe tapered peripheral extremity of which circumferentially abuts the peripheral extremity of a flat bottom cover thereby enclosing the bottom of said main frustoconical member, and the opposite peripheral extremity of said frustoconical membercircumferentially abuts one peripheral extremity of a section of right circular cylinder and is contiguously attached thereto, a panel affixed to and closing said right circular cylinder section at the opposite end thereof, said panel having a flatportion spanning said frustoconical member with a flange around the periphery of said panel flat portion, peripheral extremity of said panel flange in contiguous circumferential abuttment with the peripheral extremity of said right circular cylinder; inserted contiguously between the said panel flange peripheral extremity and the said main casing member peripheral extremity a continuous annular gasket, the said panel flange peripheral extremity is sandwiched circumferentially into the upper annularface of the said gasket, and the opposite annular face of the said gasket is telescoped over the said main casing member peripheral extremity thereby providing a heremetic seal between the exterior surface of said panel and the interior surface of thesaid main frustoconical casing member; a top cover comprising a frustoconical portion and a cylindrical portion the peripheral extremity of which is telescoped over the exterior surface of the said panel peripheral flange and abutts circumferentiallythe said upper annular face of the said annular gasket thereby providing a heremetical seal between the exterior surface of the said top cover and the exterior surface of the said panel; a fluid flow valve attached to exterior of said casing with anelectrically operated actuator housed in said casing, said actuator being operable on voltage available at an electrical power source located externally of said casing; valve operating means in said casing for energizing and de-energizing the valveactuator to open and close the valve thereby control the flow of fluid therethrough, said valve operating means comprising a timer having a switch and switch operating means for opening and closing said switch in an automatic repetative cycle; a singleelectrical conductor means extending from the interior to the exterior of said casing for connecting said valve operating means to said external electrical power source; conductors in said casing connecting said valve actuator to said conductor means inseries with said switch and for connecting said conductor means to said switch operating means; and manually manipulatable connection means disposed on the exterior side of said casing to which fluid supply and delivery means can be coupled..]. .[.39. The flow control unit of claim 38 in combination with a hinge connecting the said top cover to the said frustoconical main casing member wherein: leaves of said hinge span the said annular gasket and the longitudinal pivot axis of the said hinge islocated with respect to the said top cover and the said annular gasket to minimize the distance between peripheral extremity of said top cover and said upper annular face of said gasket when the said top cover is rotated to its maximum open position; means for attaching said hinge to cylindrical surface of said main casing member and to cylindrical surface of said top cover wherein said hinge leaves are longitudinally arced while said hinge axis is longitudinally straight and parallel to axis of saidhinge leaves; and means to limit angular movement of said hinged top cover with respect to said main casing to a predetermined maximum limit by disposition of a mechanical limit on one leaf of said hinge, the extent of the angular rotation of thejuxtapositional said hinge leaf being determined by the said mechanical limit..]. .[.40. The combination of claim 39 wherein the said hinge is spring loaded causing the said top cover peripheral extremity to abutt the said upper annular face of thesaid annular gasket providing a hermetic seal between the said exterior surface of the said top cover and the exterior surface of the said panel..]. .[.41. The combination of claim 40 wherein a draw pull catch is disposed on the exterior surface of thesaid frustoconical main casing at a point that is diametrically opposite the said hinge, a strike is disposed on the exterior surface of the said top cover; the loop of the said draw pull catch spans the said annular gasket and engages the said strike; causes the said top cover to hermetically seal to the said upper plane of the said annular gasket when said draw pull catch is actuated; and means wherein said draw pull catch may be locked in a closed or in an open position..]. .[.42. The flowcontrol of claim 41 wherein the said timer is disposed upon and supported by the said panel; said timer means and said timer switch operating means disposed on the exterior surface of said panel being non-electrical; said timer means, said time switch,and said timer operating means disposed on the interior surface of said panel, being electrical; said timer operating means, disposed on the interior surface of said panel motivating the said timer disposed on the exterior surface of said panel, bymeans of a single rotating drive shaft that protrudes through a hermetically sealed bushing extending from said panel interior surface to said panel exterior surface; and said timer switch operating means disposed on said panel exterior surfaceactuating said timer switch operating means and said timer switch, disposed on said panel interior surface, by means of an angularly oscillating drive shaft means protruding through a hermetically sealed bushing extending from said panel interior surfaceto said panel exterior surface..]. .[.43. The flow control of claim 42 in combination with a three position mode control switch disposed on the said panel; in one position said mode control switch connects said valve actuator to said valve operatingmeans causing the opening and closing of said valve to be controlled by said timer; in a second position said mode control switch disconnects said valve actuator from said valve operating means thereby making said valve actuator inoperative; in a thirdposition said mode control switch overrides said valve operating means and connects said valve actuator directly to said single electrical conductor means, extending said external electrical power to said casing interior, thereby actuating said valveactuator; and said mode control switch is disposed on said panel interior surface and is actuated by mechanical control means protruding through a hermetically sealed bushing extending from said panel interior surface to said panel exterior surface..]. .[.44. The flow control of claim 43 wherein the said valve actuator is housed in the interior of said frustoconical main casing member, said valve actuator axis disposed perpendicular to the interior surface of said bottom cover and the valve mainhousing is attached to the exterior surface of said bottom cover; perpendicularly attached, permanently, and hermetically sealed to a main housing of said valve, is a cylindrical valve actuator stem; said valve actuator stem comprising means foropening said valve when said valve actuator is energized, and means for closing said valve when said valve actuator is de-energized; said valve actuator stem protruding perpendicularly from said bottom cover exterior surface into said frustoconical maincasing interior, and said valve actuator comprising a concentric cylindrical electro magnetic coil, the cylindrical axial cavity of which is telescoped over said valve actuator stem; a heremetic seal sandwiched contiguously between the exterior surfaceof said bottom cover and the exterior surface of said valve main housing, said valve actuator stem protruding through said seal and said bottom cover, said seal providing a hermetic seal between the exterior and interior of said main casing member; andsaid manually manipulatable connection means, to which said fluid supply and delivery means can be coupled, are attached to the said valve main housing..]. .[.45. The flow control of claim 44 wherein said single electrical conductor means extends fromthe interior to the exterior of said flow control casing for connecting said valve operating means to said external power source, said single electrical conductor means comprising: a hermetically sealed multiple-conductor cable extending remotely fromsaid casing to said external electrical power source; one extremity of said cable having a grounded conductor connected to said casing, additional conductors connected to said valve operating means in said casing interior, and the opposite extremity ofsaid cable connected to said electrical power source by means of a hermetically sealed electrical plug casing; said plug casing provided with a conventional hermetically sealed 3-pin grounded plug that plugs into a conventional grounded electricalservice outlet receptacle, thereby, connecting said valve operating means to said external electrical power source; a step-down transformer mounted in the interior of said plug casing, primary leads of said transformer connected to line pins of said3-pin grounded plug, and secondary leads of said transformer connected to conductors in said multipleconductor cable thereby providing a source of low operating voltage to said valve operating means; ground pin of said 3-pin grounded plug connected tosaid plug casing and to conductor in said multiple-conductor cable; said step-down transformer coil core frame extended through and protruding from said plug casing exterior surface and, thereon, attached to cooling fins which radiate heat generated bysaid transformer; one extremity of said multiple-conductor plug extension cable terminated in said casing, and opposite extremity thereof, terminated in said plug casing by means of moulded strain relief terminations which provide a hermetic sealbetween exterior surface of said multiple-conductor cable and interiors of both the said casing and the said plug casing; and a thin disc of low durometer hermetic sealing material spanning exterior surface face of said 3-pin grounded plug, said threepins extending therethrough, providing a hermetic seal between exterior surface of said plug casing and interior of said electrical service outlet receptable..]. .[.46. The flow control of claim 45 wherein said manually manipulatable connection meansdisposed on the exterior side of said casing to which fluid supply and delivery means are coupled, comprise: a rigid tubular fluid extension conduit, one extremity of which is attached to the fluid inlet on said valve main housing, and a fluid swivelconnector is attached to the opposite end of the said fluid extension conduit; said fluid swivel connector adapted to be affixed to the outlet of a conventional outdoor mounted water faucet; and the fluid outlet on said valve main housing providingsaid fluid delivery means, for connection to a flexible fluid conduit..]. .[.47. The flow control of claim 46 in combination with a time delay relay disposed in the interior of said flow control casing; said time delay relay having an actuator and asingle movable pole, double contact, switch comprising a first and second contact; said timer switch, said valve actuator, said mode switch first contact and said step-down transformer secondary, all connected in series with said relay first contact; when said timer switch,
said mode switch first contact and said relay first contact are closed, said valve actuator is energized and said valve is opened; said relay first contact opens, and said relay second contact closes, at the end of a given first predeterminedtime interval or delay, after said relay actuator is energized, thereby, providing a said first predetermined time delay between said relay actuator energization and said valve actuator de-energization; and said relay first contact closes, and saidrelay second contact opens immediately upon de-energization of said relay actuator, thereby, causing immediate de-energizing of the said valve actuator when said relay actuator is de-energized..]. .[.48. The flow control of claim 47 wherein the lengthof the said first predetermined time interval is adjustable..]. .[.49. The flow control of claim 48 wherein the said relay actuator conductor means and the said step-down transformer are all connected in series with a planimetric rain switch,comprising: an insulating member having a surface which is adapted to be oriented to receive rain, thereon, and first and second spaced apart conductor means on said surface connected to said relay actuator conductor means, which are adapted to beelectrically connected by precipitation on said insulating surface and, thereby, complete the continuity of the said relay actuator and said transformer secondary circuit, causing the said relay actuator to be energized, said relay first contact to open,said valve actuator to be de-energized, and said valve to close; upon cessation of said precipitation, said spaced apart conductor means continuity is interrupted causing said relay actuator to be de-genergized, said relay first contact to close, saidvalve actuator to be energized, and said valve to open; said planimetric rain switch disposed on the exterior surface of said frustoconical top cover flat surface angularly mounted in the interior of a section of right circular cylinder, one peripheralextremity of which abutts the peripheral extremity of a rigid wire screen disc, and the opposite peripheral extremity of said cylinder is supported parallel to, and spaced slightly apart from said top cover exterior surface, enabling precipitation toenter said cylinder interior through said screen, impinge upon said insulating surface of said planimetric rain switch, gravity flow from said insulating surface, and exit from between said last mentioned right circular cylinder peripheral extremity andsaid top cover exterior surface; said spaced apart conductor means on said rain switch insulating surface connected to said relay actuator conductor means by means of a hermetically sealed rain switch cable extending from said spaced apart conductorsthrough the said frustoconical cover flat surface by means of a hermetically sealed bushing that extends from the exterior surface to the interior surface of the said frustoconical cover; and said cable extending radially along the interior surface ofsaid cover, perpendicular to said hinge axis, and through said panel via a hermetically sealed bushing therein..]. .[.50. The flow control of claim 49 wherein the said rain switch cable is formed into a coil comprising several turns; peripheral planeof said coil is orthogonal to the axis of said rain switch cable and said coil is formed in a fully contracted position wherein each said turn is congruent with, and consecutively contiguous to the preceeding said turn; said coil is located adjacent to,and perpendicular to, the said hinge axis at the juncture of said top cover and said panel, and axis of said coil is perpendicular to exterior surface of said panel; when the peripheral extremity of the said top cover circumferentially abutts the saidpanel peripheral flange, said coil is in a fully contracted position; when said top cover is rotated, with respect to said panel, to the said predetermined maximum limit, said coil is in a fully expanded position, providing a flexible expansion cablepivot between the said top cover and the said panel; and protecting said rain switch cable from flexure breakage when said top cover is repeatedly opened and closed..]. .[.51. The flow control of claim 50 wherein the said planimetric switch, saidright circular cylindrical section, and said wire screen comprise a rain switch housing; said rain switch housing is disposed on the exterior surface of said top cover flat portion; a limited arc segment of said opposite peripheral extremity of saidcylinder is hinged contiguously to exterior surface of said top cover; said hinge axis is tangential to said opposite peripheral extremity of said cylinder and is parallel to said top cover flat portion; said rain switch housing is rotatable about saidhinge axis thereby providing for variable selection of the angle formed between the said top cover flat portion and the plane of the said cylinder opposite peripheral extremity; and means for securing said rain switch housing at any desired value ofsaid angle..]. .[.52. The flow control of claim 51 wherein the said time delay relay comprises: time delay means causing said first contact to open and said second contact to close at the end of the said first given predetermined time interval afterthe said switch actuator is energized; and said time delay means causing said first contact to close and said second contact to open at the end of a second given predetermined time interval after the said switch actuator is de-energized..]. .[.53. Theflow control of claim 52 wherein the length of the said first predetermined time interval and the said second predetermined time interval are adjustable..]. .Iadd. 54. A flow control for a fluid flow system having a fluid conduit with a flow controlvalve therein, said flow control valve having an electrically operated valve actuator means and said flow control comprising: a first circuit means for connecting a source of operating voltage to said valve actuator means; a first switching meanscomprising timing means for automatically completing said first circuit means to energize said valve actuator means and thereby open said valve and allow flow of fluid through said conduit for a predetermined period of time, and upon completion of saidtime period, for interrupting said first circuit means, causing said valve actuator means to be de-energized and said valve to close, thereby terminating flow through said conduit; a second switching means which, when energized, interrupts thecontinuity of said first circuit means, thereby overriding said first switching means and de-energizing said valve actuator means, thus causing said valve to open and terminate fluid flow through said conduit and which, upon de-energization of saidswitch actuator means, restores control of said first switching means over said valve actuator means, completing continuity of said first circuit means and energizing said valve actuator means, causing said valve to open and said fluid to flowtherethrough, said second switching means comprising a switching means with an electrically operated actuator means; a third circuit means comprising, in series, said switch actuator means, third circuit conductor means, said source of operatingvoltage, and moisture sensitive switching means which, when closed, completes continuity of said third circuit means and which, when open, interrupts continuity of said third circuit means; said moisture sensitive switching means are adapted to beelectrically connected by the presence of rain on said moisture sensitive switch, thereby completing the continuity of said third circuit means, energizing said switch actuator means, overriding said first switching means, interrupting said first circuitmeans, de-energizing said valve actuator means, closing said valve, and terminating fluid flow therethrough; said means which are adapted to be electrically connected by the presence of rain on said moisture sensitive switching means being furtheradapted, concomitantly with the subsequent absence of rain thereon, to interrupt said third circuit means, thereby de-energizing said switch actuator means and restoring control of said valve actuator means to said first switching means; and when saidsecond switching means is energized, said source of operating voltage energizes a second circuit means providing said source of operating voltage for ancillary control when said moisture switch is activated and said first circuit means is interrupted. .Iaddend..Iadd. 55. The flow control of claim 54 wherein said second switching means comprises time delay means for causing said first circuit means to be interrupted and said second circuit means to be energized at the end of a given predeterminedtime interval after said moisture sensitive switching means is activated; and said time delay means restores continuity to said first circuit means and removes said source of operating voltage from said second circuit means immediately upon deactivationof said moisture sensitive switching means. .Iaddend..Iadd. 56. A flow control according to claim 55 which includes means for adjusting said predetermined time interval. .Iaddend..Iadd. 57. A flow control according to claim 54 which has a thirdswitching means incorporated in said first circuit means and providing an automatic mode of operation in which said valve actuator means are energized by said first and second switching means, an inoperative mode of operation in which said valve actuatormeans is disconnected from said first circuit means, and a manual mode of operation in which said valve actuator means is electrically connected directly to said source of operating voltage, whereby in said automatic mode of operation said fluid flowthrough said valve is programmed by said first switching means subject to being overridden by said second switching means; in said inoperative mode said source of operating voltage cannot activate said valve actuator means; and in said manual mode ofoperation said source of operation voltage is provided manually to said valve actuator means thereby manually controlling flow of fluid through said valve. .Iaddend..Iadd. 58. A flow control according to claim 57 which includes rain alarm means andmeans for energizing said rain alarm means during periods of rainfall and for the duration thereof. .Iaddend..Iadd. 59. A flow control according to claim 54 which has a three-position fourth switching means, an alarm, for so energizing that itprovides a simultaneous audible and visual alarm signal during rainfall when said fourth switching means is in a first position; no alarm signal during rainfall when said fourth switching means is in a second position; and a visual alarm signal only,during rainfall, when said fourth switching means is in a third position. .Iaddend. .Iadd. 60. The combination of a flow control as defined in claim 54 and a step-down voltage means for supplying a reduced operating voltage to said control, saidstep-down voltage means comprising: a hermetically sealed plug casing; a step-down voltage circuit means housed in said casing; electrical contacts protruding through said plug casing and adapted to be plugged into an electrical service outletreceptacle; means in said casing connecting said electrical contacts to said step-down voltage circuit means; and means extending through said hermetically sealed casing and an extension cable for connecting step-down voltage circuit means to saidfirst circuit means of said flow control. .Iaddend..Iadd. 61. The combination of claim 60 wherein said step-down voltage circuit means comprises a step-down transformer having coil means wound and supported on a coil core frame that is integral withthe plug casing; wherein at least the exterior portion of said plug casing is constructed of electrically insulating material; and wherein said coil core frame is constructed of a thermally conductive material and protrudes through said plug casing,thereby causing heat generated by said step-down transformer to be radiated away from said plug casing. .Iaddend. .Iadd. 62. The combination of claim 61 wherein said step-down transformer is of the grounded-barrier type and wherein said groundedbarrier is electrically connected to said coil core frame and to said plug casing. .Iaddend. .Iadd. 63. A flow control according to claim 54 which has means for controlling an additional fluid flow controlling or effecting device, comprising: afourth circuit means and a remote flow device actuator means coupled to said flow device, said fourth circuit means being connected in parallel with said first circuit means; and said remote flow device actuator means being electrically connected tosaid fourth circuit means, thereby causing said remote flow device actuator means to be energized and de-energized substantially coterminously with the energization and de-energization of said valve actuator means. .Iaddend. .Iadd. 64. A control fora flow control system or the like, comprising: a casing having a main member of cylindrical configuration, a bottom cover fixed to said main member at one end thereof, and a panel affixed to and closing said main casing member at the opposite endthereof, said bottom cover having a portion spanning said main casing member and a flange around its periphery abutting the periphery of said main casing member, and said panel having a portion spanning said main casing member and a peripheral flange incontiguous abutment with the main casing member; a top cover having a frustroquadric portion and a cylindrical portion of which is telescoped over said peripheral panel flange and provides a closure between said top cover and the exterior of said panel; a fluid flow valve with an inlet and an outlet and an electrically operated actuator housed in said casing, said actuator being adapted to be operated from a voltage source located external of said casing; valve actuator operating means in said casingfor energizing and de-energizing said valve actuator to open and close said valve and thereby control flow of fluid therethrough; electrical conductor means extending from the interior of said casing therethrough to said external electrical powersource; circuit means in said casing for connecting conductor means to said valve actuator means and said valve actuator operating means; manually manipulatable connection means disposed on the exterior side of said casing to which fluid supply anddelivery means can be coupled; and means providing fluid communication from said connection means to the inlet and outlet of said fluid flow valve. .Iaddend. .Iadd. 65. A flow control unit according to claim 64 which includes a hinge for rotatablyconnecting said top cover to said main casing member and means for attaching said hinge to said main casing member and to said top cover, said hinge having leaves which are longitudinally arced while the axis of said hinge is longitudinally straight andparallel to at least one axis of said hinge leaves; and stop means incorporated in said hinge for limiting the annular movement of said hinged top cover with respect to said main casing to a predetermined maximum limit. .Iaddend..Iadd. 66. A flowcontrol according to claim 65 which has means for spring loading said hinge so as to cause said top cover to abut said main casing member in a manner providing a hermetic seal between said top cover and said panel. .Iaddend..Iadd. 67. A flow controlaccording to claim 65 which has a draw pull catch fixed to the exterior of said main casing at a point that is diametrically opposite said hinge and a strike fixed to the exterior of said top cover, said draw pull catch having a loop so engagable withsaid strike as to displace said top cover into hermetically sealed relationship with said main casing member. .Iaddend..Iadd. 68. A flow control according to claim 64 which includes a timer means for controlling said valve actuator means and saidfluid flow valve according to a selectable programmed time sequence; said timer means being fixed to said panel in a hermetically sealed chamber defined by said panel and said main casing member; and a mechanical, selectable program timer means beingaccessible by displacing said top cover relative to said main casing member. .Iaddend. .Iadd. 69. A flow control according to claim 68 which has a rotating drive shaft for connecting said selectable program timer operating means to said timer meanswhich extends through said panel, a timer switch operating means fixed to the exterior of said panel, a timer switch in said hermetically sealed chamber, an angularly oscillating drive shaft means extending through said panel and connecting said timerswitch operating means to said timer switch, and bushings surrounding said shafts and providing a hermetically sealing relationship between said shafts and said panel. .Iaddend..Iadd. 70. A flow control according to claim 64 which has a three positionmode control switch fixed on said panel for effecting automatic control of said fluid flow valve by said selectable program timer operating means when said mode switch is in an automatic position, manual control of said valve when said mode switch is ina manual position, and disconnecting said valve actuator means from said valve actuator conductor means when said mode switch is in an off position; and said mode control switch being accessible by displacement of said top cover relative to said maincasing member. .Iaddend..Iadd. 71. A flow control according to claim 64 wherein said fluid flow valve is fixed to said bottom cover and wherein said fluid communication means comprises an inlet fitting between said connection supply means and saidvalve inlet and an outlet fitting between said valve outlet and said connection delivery means. .Iaddend. .Iadd. 72. The flow control of claim 64 wherein said electrical conductor means comprises a cable extending in hermetically sealed relationshipthrough said casing to said external
electrical power source; one extremity of said cable being electrically connected to said valve operating means and the opposite extremity of said cable terminating in a plug having: a hermetically sealed casing, electrical contacts adapted tobe plugged into a conventional electrical service outlet receptacle to thereby electrically connect said cable to said external electrical power source; and a step-down voltage circuit means housed in the plug casing and electrically connected betweensaid contacts and said multiple-conductor cable for making a low operating voltage available to said valve operating means. .Iaddend..Iadd. 73. The flow control of claim 64 comprising: an electrical connector means accessible from the exterior of saidflow control casing and means connecting said connector means in parallel with said valve actuator means, whereby a further fluid flow controlling or effecting device can be so connected to said valve operating means as to energize and de-energize saiddevice coterminously with the energization and de-energization of said valve actuator means and without requiring access to the interior of said casing. .Iaddend. .Iadd. 74. A flow control according to claim 64 comprising means for supporting saidflow control casing from one extremity of a vertical, stanchion which includes a downwardly opening female cap attached to said bottom cover and adapted to be telescoped over said one extremity of said vertical stanchion. .Iaddend. .Iadd. 75. Theflow control valve of claim 64 wherein said manually manipulatable connection means comprises an inlet fitting and an outlet fitting, said inlet fitting and said outlet fitting each have an inlet port and an outlet port defined by a shouldered flange; the outlet port of said inlet fitting being attached to said valve inlet and the inlet port of said inlet fitting being attached to, and protruding through, said bottom cover; the inlet port of said outlet fitting being attached to said valve outlet andthe outlet port of said outlet fitting being attached to, and protruding through, said bottom cover; and fastener means engaging the inlet port defining flange of the inlet fitting and the outlet port flange of the outlet fitting and the exterior sideof the bottom cover to thereby fix said valve and said fluid communication means to said cover. .Iaddend..Iadd. 76. The combination of a stanchion and a flow control according to claim 64, there being communicating, hermetically sealed openingsthrough said bottom cover and said top cover of the flow control main casing and a communicating opening at said one extremity of said stanchion through which said conductor means can be introduced into the chamber in said main casing. .Iaddend. .Iadd. 77. A flow control according to claim 64 which includes a selectable program timer means for controlling the operation of said valve actuator means and said valve actuator operating means via said circuit means and a moisture sensitive rain switch foractivating a time delay actuator means and thereby causing a relay means to override said selectable program timer means and cause said valve actuator means to open said valve at a predetermined time interval after activation of said rain switch; saidrain switch having an insulating member with a surface which is adapted to be oriented to receive rain thereon and spaced apart conductor means on said surface which are adapted to be electrically connected by precipitation on said insulating surface toconnect said external power source to said time delay actuator means; said moisture sensitive rain switch being disposed on the exterior surface of said frustoquadric top cover. .Iaddend. .Iadd. 78. A flow control according to claim 77 together witha housing for said rain switch which comprises an upwardly opening main housing member spaced above said frustoquadric top cover and a perforate, protective cover spanning the open end of said main housing member, said rain switch being disposed at anangle to the horizontal in said housing, whereby rain can enter said housing through said protective cover, impinge on said rain switch, flow by gravity off the insulating surface thereof, and exit from said housing through the space between said mainhousing member and said top cover. .Iaddend. .Iadd. 79. A flow control according to claim 78 which includes a rain switch cable extending from said spaced apart rain switch conductors means through said frustoquadric cover, radially along theinterior surface of the said frustoquadric cover, and then through said panel to electrically connect said rain switch to said valve operating means; and means surrounding said cable for hermetically sealing the openings in said cover and said panelthrough which said cable passes. .Iaddend..Iadd. 80. A flow control according to claim 79 wherein said rain switch cable is formed into a contracted coil which has its peripheral plane orthogonal to the axis of said rain switch cable; said coil beinglocated adjacent, and perpendicular, to a hinge axis at the juncture of said top cover and said panel, and the axis of said coil being perpendicular to said panel when the peripheral extremity of the said top cover is abutted with said panel, said coilthereby being so oriented as to be rotated relative to said panel and extended to protect it from flexure breakage when said top cover is opened and closed. .Iaddend. .Iadd. 81. A flow control for a flow control system comprising: a casing having amain, frustoquadric casing member, a bottom cover, and a panel, said main casing member having a tapered portion which circumferentially abuts said bottom cover, thereby enclosing the bottom of said main frustoquadric member and a cylindrical portion,said panel being affixed to and spanning said main casing member and having a flange in contiguous circumferential abutment with the cylindrical portion of said main casing member which provides a seal between said panel and said main casing member; atop cover comprising a frustoquadric portion and a cylindrical portion which is telescoped over said panel and abuts said casing, thereby providing a seal between said top cover and said panel; a fluid flow valve with an electrically operated actuatormeans integrated with said casing; an electrical, valve operating means in said casing for energizing and de-energizing said valve actuator means to open and close said valve and thereby control the flow of fluid therethrough; electrical conductormeans extending from the interior to the exterior of said casing for connecting said valve operating means to an external electrical power source; circuit means in said casing for connecting said valve actuator means and said valve operating means tosaid conductor means; and manually manipulatable connection means accessible from the exterior of said casing to which fluid supply and delivery means can be coupled. .Iaddend..Iadd. 82. A flow control according to claim 81 which includes a hinge forrotatably connecting said top cover to said main casing member and means for attaching said hinge to said main casing member and to said top cover, said hinge having leaves which are longitudinally arced while the axis of said hinge is longitudinallystraight and parallel to at least one axis of said hinge leaves; and stop means incorporated in said hinge for limiting the annular movement of said hinged top cover with respect to said main casing. .Iaddend..Iadd. 83. A flow control according toclaim 82 which has means for so spring loading said hinge as to cause said top cover to abut said main casing member in a manner providing a hermetic seal between said top cover and said panel. .Iaddend..Iadd. 84. A flow control according to claim 82which has a draw pull catch fixed to the exterior of the main casing at a point that is diametrically opposite said hinge and a strike fixed to the exterior of said top cover, said draw pull catch having a loop so engagable with said strike as todisplace said top cover into hermetically sealed relationship with said main casing member. .Iaddend..Iadd. 85. A flow control according to claim 81 which includes a timer means for controlling said valve actuator means and said fluid flow valveaccording to a selectable programmed time sequence, said timer means being fixed to said panel in a hermetically sealed chamber defined by said panel and said main casing member; and a mechanical, timer-operating, selectable program, timer means forcontrolling the operation of said timer means, said timer-operating, selectable program, timer means being electrically insulated from said timer means and accessible by displacing said top cover relative to said main casing member. .Iaddend..Iadd. 86. A flow control according to claim 85 which has a rotating drive shaft for connecting said timer operating means to said timer means which extends through said panel, a timer switch operating means fixed to the exterior of said panel, a timer switch insaid hermetically sealed chamber, an angularly oscillating drive shaft means extending through said panel and connecting said timer switch operating means to said timer switch, and bushings surrounding said shafts and hermetically sealing relationshipbetween said shafts and said panel. .Iaddend. .Iadd. 87. A flow control according to claim 81 wherein said valve actuator means is housed in the interior of said frustoquadric main casing member; wherein said valve has a main housing attached to theexterior of said casing; and wherein said manually manipulatable connection means are attached to said main valve housing. .Iaddend..Iadd. 88. A flow control according to claim 87 wherein said valve comprises a cylindrical valve actuator stem sealedto said main housing of said valve, said valve actuator stem comprising means for opening said valve when said valve actuator means is energized and means for closing said valve when said valve actuator means is de-energized, said valve actuator stemprotruding through said bottom cover into the interior of said main casing members; and wherein said valve actuator means comprises an electromagnetic coil telescoped over said valve actuator stem. .Iaddend..Iadd. 89. A flow control according toclaim 87 wherein said main valve housing has an inlet and an outlet; wherein said manually manipulatable connection means comprises a fluid extension conduit, one extremity of which is attached to said fluid inlet; wherein said flow control alsoincludes a fluid connector attached to the opposite end of said fluid extension conduit, said fluid connector being adapted to be affixed to the outlet of a faucet; and wherein the fluid outlet of said valve main housing is adapted to be connected to aflexible fluid conduit. .Iaddend. .Iadd. 90. The flow control of claim 81 wherein said electrical conductor means comprises a cable extending in hermetically sealed relationship through said casing to said external electrical power source; oneextremity of said cable being electrically connected to said valve operating means and the opposite extremity of said cable terminating in a plug having: a hermetically sealed casing, electrical contacts adapted to be plugged into a conventionalelectrical service outlet receptacle to thereby electrically connect said cable to said external electrical power source; and a step-down voltage circuit means housed in said plug casing and electrically connected between said contacts and saidmultiple-conductor cable for making a low operating voltage available to said valve operating means. .Iaddend. .Iadd. 91. A flow control according to claim 81 which has a selectable program timer operating means and a three position mode controlswitch fixed on said panel for effecting automatic control of said fluid flow valve by said selectable program, timer operating means when said mode switch is in an automatic position and manual control of said valve when said mode switch is in a manualposition and for disconnecting said valve actuator means from said valve actuator conductor means when said mode switch is in an off position, said mode control switch being accessible by displacement of said top cover relative to said main casingmember. .Iaddend..Iadd. 92. A flow control according to claim 81 which includes a selectable program timer means for controlling the operation of said valve actuator means and a moisture sensitive rain switch for activating a time delay actuator meansand thereby causing a relay means to override said selectable program timer means and cause said valve actuator means to open said valve at a predetermined time interval after activation of said rain switch; said rain switch having an insulating memberwith a surface which is adapted to be oriented to receive rain thereon and spaced apart conductor means on said surface which are adapted to be electrically connected by precipitation on said insulating surface to connect said external power source tosaid time delay actuator means; said moisture sensitive rain switch being disposed on the exterior surface of said frustoquadric top cover. .Iaddend. .Iadd. 93. A flow control according to claim 92 together with a housing for said rain switch whichcomprises an upwardly opening main housing member spaced above said frustoquadric top cover and a perforate, protective cover spanning the open end of said main housing member, said rain switch being disposed at an angle to the horizontal in saidhousing, whereby rain can enter said housing through said protective cover, impinge on said rain switch, flow by gravity off the insulating surface thereof, and exit from said housing through the space between said main housing member and said top cover. .Iaddend. .Iadd. 94. A flow control according to claim 93 wherein said rain switch housing is hinged to said top cover, thereby providing for variable selection of the angle formed between said top cover and the plane of the said rain switch housing; and wherein said control further includes means for securing said rain switch housing at any desired value of said angle. .Iaddend..Iadd. 95. A flow control according to claim 93 wherein said rain switch cable is formed into a contracted coil whichhas its peripheral plane orthogonal to the axis of said rain switch cable; said coil being located adjacent, and perpendicular, to a hinge axis at the juncture of said top cover and said panel, and the axis of said coil being perpendicular to said panelwhen the peripheral extremity of the said top cover is abutted with said panel, said coil thereby being so oriented as to be rotated relative to said panel and extended to protect it from flexure breakage when said top cover is opened and closed. .Iaddend..Iadd. 96. A flow control according to claim 92 which includes a rain switch cable extending from said spaced apart rain switch conductor means through said frustoquadric cover, radially along the interior surface of said frustoquadric cover,and through said panel to electrically connect said rain switch to said valve operating means; and means surrounding said cable for hermetically sealing the openings in said cover and said panel through which said cable passes. .Iaddend. .Iadd. 97. A flow control for a fluid flow system, comprising: a casing having a cylindrical main casing member, a bottom cover fitted and fixed to said casing member at one end thereof, a panel affixed to and closing said main casing member at the opposite endthereof, said panel having a peripheral flange in contiguous abutment with the main casing member, and a top cover which is telescoped over said peripheral panel flange to form a closure between said top cover and the exterior of said panel, said bottomcover having a portion spanning said main casing member and a peripheral flange abutting the interior of said main casing member; a continuous annular gasket inserted contiguously between the peripheral extremities of said panel flange and said maincasing member, the peripheral extremity of said panel flange being sandwiched circumferentially into one annular face of said annular gasket, and the opposite annular face thereof being telescoped over said peripheral extremity of said main casingmember, thereby providing a seal between said top cover and said main casing member; a fluid flow valve disposed in said casing, said valve having an inlet and an outlet and an electrically operated actuator; conductor means extending from the interiorto the exterior of said casing for electrically connecting said actuator to an external electrical power source; manually manipulatable connection means externally of said casing to which fluid supply and delivery means can be coupled; and meansproviding fluid communication from said connection means to the inlet and outlet of said fluid flow valve. .Iaddend. .Iadd. 98. The flow control of claim 97 wherein said fluid communication means comprises: an inlet fitting between said fluid supplymeans and said valve inlet and an outlet fitting between said valve outlet and said fluid delivery means, said inlet and outlet fittings being in fluid communication with the inlet and outlet of said valve and having portions which extend through saidcasing to the exterior thereof; and wherein said control further comprises fastener means engaging said protruding portions of said fittings and the exterior side of said bottom cover for fixing said valve and said fittings in place in said casing. .Iaddend. .Iadd. 99. A flow control according to claim 97 comprising means for supporting said flow control casing from one extremity of a vertical, stanchion which includes a downwardly opening female cap attached to said bottom cover and adapted tobe telescoped over said one extremity of said vertical stanchion. .Iaddend. .Iadd. 100. A flow control according to claim 97 which includes a moisture sensitive rain switch for activating a time delay actuator means and thereby causing a relay meansto override said
external electrical power and cause said valve actuator to open said valve at a predetermined time interval after activation of said rain switch; said rain switch having an insulating member with a surface which is adapted to be oriented toreceive rain thereon and spaced apart conductor means on said surface which are adapted to be electrically connected by precipitation on said insulating surface to connect said external power source to said time delay actuator means; said moisturesensitive rain switch being disposed on the exterior surface of said top cover. .Iaddend..Iadd. 101. A flow control according to claim 100 together with a housing for said rain switch which comprises an upwardly opening main housing member spacedabove said frustoquadric top cover and a perforate, protective cover spanning the open end of said main housing member, said rain switch being disposed at an angle to the horizontal in said housing, whereby rain can enter said housing through saidprotective cover, impinge on said rain switch, flow by gravity off the insulating surface thereof, and exit from said housing through the space between said main housing member and said top cover. .Iaddend. .Iadd. 102. A flow control for a fluid flowsystem, comprising: a casing having a cylindrical main casing member, a bottom cover fitted and fixed to said casing member at one end thereof, a panel affixed to and closing said main casing member at the opposite end thereof, said panel having aperipheral flange in contiguous circumferential abutment with the main casing member, thereby providing a seal between said panel and said main casing member, and a top cover which is telescoped over said peripheral panel flange to form a closure betweensaid top cover and the exterior of said panel, said bottom cover having a flat portion spanning said main casing member and a peripheral flange abutting said main casing member; a fluid flow valve disposed in said casing, said valve having an inlet andan outlet and an electrically operated actuator; conductor means extending from the interior to the exterior of said casing for electrically connecting said actuator to an external electrical power source; manually manipulatable connection meansexternally of said casing to which fluid supply and delivery means can be coupled; means providing fluid communication from said connection means to the inlet and outlet of said fluid flow valve; and means for supporting said flow control casing fromone extremity of a vertical stanchion which includes a downwardly opening female cap attached to said bottom cover and adapted to be telescoped over said one extremity of said vertical stanchion, there being communicating openings in said bottom coverand at said extremity of said stanchion through which said conductor means can be introduced into said casing. .Iaddend. |
| Description: |
The present invention relates to sprinkler flow control systems, andmore specifically, and primarily to novel, improved, self contained fluid flow control units for lawn sprinkling and other outdoor lawn and garden applications.
This invention relates to control systems and, primarily, to systems for automatically controlling the operation of lawn sprinklers; although, the invention disclosed herein may be used for other purposes as well.
Numerous automatically controlled lawn sprinkler systems have heretofore been proposed. A major disadvantage of many of these is that no provision is made for turning off the sprinklers during periods of natural rainfall. Consequently, suchsystems waste water and, in addition, may overwater and damage the grass of lawns where such systems are employed.
This problem has heretofore been recognized, and several attempts have been made to solve it as is shown by U.S. Pats. Nos. 2,284,158, 2,318,969, 3,063,643, and 3,140,720. These disclose automatic controlled lawn sprinkling systems in whichprovision is made for shutting off the sprinklers when it begins to rain. However, the systems of this type, heretofore known, have a number of disadvantages. First, they often employ a mechanical arrangement; such as, a float-operated switch forshutting off the sprinklers, which is complex, expensive, bulky, less reliable, and more difficult to adjust than is desirable. Second, these prior systems have an undesirably long reaction time. Third, some of the prior art systems must be manuallyreset after the rain ceases by draining a rain collecting container. In the others, resetting of the system involves the evaporation of collected moisture from a container, which takes an undesirably long period of time.
Other types of control units for lawn sprinkling and comparable fluid flow systems also include a mechanical timer and a valve housed in an appropriate casing provided with connections for fluid inflow and outflow conduits. Exemplary controlunits of this character are disclosed in U.S. Pats. No. 1,085,012 issued Jan. 20, 1914, to Bopp; U.S. Pat. No. 1,179,863 issued Apr. 18, 1916, to Phillips; U.S. Pat. No. 1,484,126 issued Feb. 19, 1924, to Gaspard; U.S. Pat. No. 1.929,455issued Oct. 10, 1933, to Smith; U.S. Pat. No. 2,629,437 issued Feb. 24, 1953, to Weeks; U.S. Pat. No. 2,719,538 issued Oct. 4, 1955, to Cole; U.S. Pat. No. 2,768,683 issued Oct. 20, 1956, to DeSchane; and U.S. Pat. No. 2,852,072 issued Sept. 16, 1958, to Alfrey.
The last four of the patents disclose control units of the currently marketed, so-called "waterboy" type. The control unit is attached directly to a faucet and connected by a hose to a sprinkler. The mechanical timer of the unit is set, openingthe control unit valve, and the faucet opened. Water flows to the sprinkler until the timer runs down (usually 30-90 minutes). The control unit valve then closes and remains so until the timer is manually reset.
Control units of the type just described have a number of disadvantages.
One of these is that the timer must be manually reset for each flow control cycle.
Also, this type of control lacks versatility. The period over which the timer can exercise control is limited; and, more important, such units cannot be provided with auxiliary controls.
For example, it is often desirable to make provision in a lawn sprinkling system for interrupting the sprinkling during periods of rainfall. Modification of a mechanical timer to function in this manner is impractical economically if nottechnically.
Also, control units of the character just described are not capable of being modified to control remotely located options such as flow control valves, pumps, etc.
Another disadvantage of fluid flow control units with mechanical timers is that the dust and moisture encountered in outdoor operation can cause failures or unreliable operation.
Fluid flow system controls with electric, clock-type timers have also been proposed. Representative controllers of this type are disclosed in U.S. Pats. No. 2,599,862 issued June 10, 1952, to Ray; U.S. Pat. No. 2,754,150 issued July 10,1956, to Edelman; U.S. Pat. No. 2,864,650 issued Dec. 16, 1958, to Delamater; and U.S. Pat. No. 3,212,714 issued Oct. 19, 1965, to Davis.
These controllers have the advantage over mechanical timed controllers that the timing cycle is automatically repetitive. Therefore, the timer need not be reset for each watering or other flow cycle. However, the controllers with electric,clock-type timers heretofore proposed have disadvantages which are equally, if not more, serious than those appurtenant to controllers with mechanical timers.
As shown by the patents last mentioned above, flow system controllers with electrically-operated timers as heretofore envisioned typically include, in addition to the unit in which the timer is housed, a remotely disposed solenoid valve and acontrol device; such as, a soil moisture probe or a rain switch. The solenoid valve and the control device are both connected by external electrical lines to the timer unit which is connected, also by external conductors, to an electrical power source.
Two additional examples of these types of controllers are U.S. Pat. No. 3,118,606 issued on Jan. 21, 1964 to Rotunda, and U.S. Pat. No. 3,207,866 issued on Sept. 21, 1965 to Hicks.
One of the more important advantages of my invention is that it provides an economic, practical, and quickly installable automatic lawn sprinkler control system that is equally adaptable to both above ground and underground home type lawnsprinkler systems. It provides a means for the average homeowner to economically sprinkle residential lots of the order of 1/2-3 acres using commercially available above ground garden hoses and lawn sprinklers of the rotary, impact, and wave variety.
Another important advantage of the novel invention is that it can be economically packaged for inside installation wherein conventional plumbing is extended to the home exterior where conventional garden hoses and sprinklers are attached, or itmay be economically hermetically packaged for outside installation either on a semi-portable stanchion or directly on the outlet of a conventional faucet. Further, the invention permits permanent inside installation in conjunction with outsidesemi-portable auxiliary above ground control valves.
Another important objective of the present invention is to provide the residential homeowner with a simple lawn sprinkling system that can provide sprinkling time intervals as short as 10-15 minutes or as extensive as 2-6 hours in order toprovide complete sprinkling flexibility in consonance with vegetation requirements, local water pressure, and individual home plumbing criterion. Additionally, because of the increase value of water it is necessary that automatic lawn sprinkling beaccomplished only on certain designated days and many local municipality laws require that lawn sprinkling be accomplished strictly on those days. Therefore, means must be provided to enable automatic sprinkling on certain predetermined days; such as,every other day, every third day, or on given combinations of days.
Another important objective of the present invention is to provide a simple electrical manual override switch that turns the lawn sprinkler on and off without interferring with the operation of the timer clock and provides manual operation thatis independent of the clock cycle and of the rainfall status.
It is another important object of the present invention to provide novel, improved automatic lawn sprinkler systems which are capable of shutting off the sprinklers during periods of natural rainfall, but do not have the disadvantages ofpreviously known systems of this type.
In general, the novel lawn sprinkling systems provided by the present invention are characterized by one or more electromagnetically controlled valves in series with an electric timer-operated switch and a non-resistive rain-operated switch. Thetimer is set for a given interval of time depending upon the locality, annual rainfall, type of vegetation being irrigated, etc. At a given time within each 24 hour interval, the timer closes the timer-operated switch, the electromagnetic valve (orvalves) opens, and sprinkling occurs. However, if natural rainfall occurs while the flow control valve is open, the rain switch closes; and, sprinkling ceases while the natural rainfall continues.
If the natural rainfall continues beyond the end of the present increment of time, the sprinkler does not resume operation until the 24 hour period has elapsed. However, if the natural rainfall ends before completion of the preset timeincrement, the main switch opens; and, sprinkling is resumed. In this manner, lawns may be provided with automatic irrigation for a preselected portion of each 24 hour period, the irrigation consisting of artifical rainfall or natural rainfall, or acombination of both.
Another important objective of the present invention is to prevent sprinkler valve "flutter" during intermittant rainfall or when rainfall first begins, due to intermittant opening and closing of the rain switch; while still retaining sprinkleroperation that is coterminous with rainfall.
Another important objective of the present invention is to provide a rain alarm that will signal when rainfall begins and is completely independent of the sprinkler's operation. This alarm is remotely mounted and, in this novel circuit, providesfull utilization of the sprinkler control at negligent additional manuafacturing cost.
Another objective of the present invention is to provide an outdoor sprinkler control that is hermetically sealed. During past years, while it has been assumed that hermatically sealed sprinkler controls are an obvious extension ofnon-weatherproof models, the successful introduction of practical outdoor controls has not borne out this concept. Further, increasing importance placed on safety (particularly in connection with outdoor electrified appliances) has been brought clearlyinto focus by the passage of the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Act. This resulting establishment of the U.S. Consumer Safety Commission now requires that manufacturers develop consumer products both from the standpoint of economic manufacturability andconsumer user safety. Accordingly, this is probably the most novel and important feature of the subject invention. A unique gasket sealing arrangement is provided that enables two degrees of hermetic sealing; one for encasing interior electrifiedcomponents, and a second degree for panel controls. For example, if the consumer user should forget to close the cover of the novel control, environmental protection of the electrified components is insured and electrical shock hazzard is avoided. Atthe same time, the novel arrangement, of the inexpensive casing component, makes the unique control economically manufacturable.
Another important objective of the present invention is to provide an outdoor hermetically sealed sprinkler control that is safe from electrical shock hazzard and is, also, economically attractive for manufacturing. During the last decade greateffort has been placed upon the development of ground-fault circuit-interrupters which sense line current balance-to-ground and automatically interrupt a circuit; thereby, protecting the circuit user from electrical shock, should a short to ground causesuch a circuit imbalance. Manufacturing economics, in conjunction with operational complexity, however, have resulted in their consumer accpetance being less than effective.
A novel, practical, and economic approach is disclosed in the present invention which has its most desirable feature in its simplicity and operational reliability. A novel, 3-wire, grounded plug is provided and reduces line voltage to 12 to 24volts within the unique plug; wherein, a grounded-barrier constant-energy stepdown transformer is utilized. Cooling fins on the outer surface of the plug make possible this unique invention. In this arrangement, only low voltage is available betweenthe plug and the lawn sprinklers. Additionally, use of a dead-front type plug and a low durometer seal insures a plug-to-outdoor-receptacle hermetic seal.
Another important advantage of the present invention is a simple means for attaching the hermetically sealed casing directly to a conventional faucet outlet and connecting to the sprinkler control one or two garden hoses, and associatedsprinklers; thus, providing an automatic sprinkler system that requires no installation. This portable unit is then simply plugged into a conventional electrical outlet receptacle. The rainswitch housing a tiltable to insure its correct inclination forvarious faucet outlet angles.
In their simplest versions, my novel sprinkler flow control systems include a casing in which a solenoid-operated valve, and all of the controls essential for the operation of the valve, can be housed. The only connections to the unit include: apower cord for connecting the electrical components of the unit to a power source; fluid inlet and outlet connections; optional, circuit connections for auxiliary control devices responsive to parameters such as precipitation, pressure, and humiditylevel; and, for other flow controlling and/or effecting devices, such as, pumps and remotely located valves.
One of the important advantages of the controllers just described is that all of the electrical components necessary for flow control can be integrated into a single portable unit with only one external electrical connection.
This makes the system compact. And it can be readily moved from place to place and installed when and where it is needed.
The control system is simple and inexpensive to manufacture. Installation can be accomplished quickly and without special skills or tools as this typically involves only connecting hoses to the fluid couplings of the unit and plugging its powercable into a socket or jack.
Another important advantage of my novel flow control as described above, is that by requiring only one external electrical line, it poses less of a safety problem, both during installation and operation. This line can be very short if thecontrol is located near an outlet or other electrical power source. This virtually eliminates the electrical shock hazard.
The entire control unit hermetically sealed, together with the simplicity of the system, makes the unit exceptionally reliable. The hermetically sealed casing also contributes to the low cost of the system as it renders unnecessary the use ofshields, and the like, to protect the components of the unit against dust and moisture.
Another important advantage of the control units I have invented is their versatility. Auxiliary control devices; such as, soil moisture detectors, rain switches, booster pumps, and additional solenoid-operated valves, can be added by pluggingthem into sockets or jacks opening onto the exterior of the control unit casing. No acess to the interior of the control unit casing is required which will be appreciated as a decided benefit by those conversant in the arts to which the presentinvention relates.
Another important advantage of my novel control units is that the operating cycle is repetitive. This makes them superior to those which have mechanical timers and must accordingly be manually reset after each operating cycle.
The feature just discussed, also, distinguishes my novel units from flow control systems shown in U.S. Pat. No. 2,651,361 issued Sept. 8, 1953, to Smith. Smith's controller employs a one-shot timer that requires resetting between operatingcycles. Also, the Smith mechanism is too complex for the applications for which my novel control units are intended; and, it lacks the versatility of my flow controls in that the addition of auxiliary control and flow devices to the illustrated systemwould be impractical.
From the foregoing, it will be apparent to the reader that one important object of the invention resides in the provision of novel, improved apparatus for controlling flow in lawn sprinkling and other fluid flow systems.
Other important but more specific objects of the invention reside in the provision of sprinkler flow control systems.
1. which are adaptable to both above and below ground sprinkler systems;
2. which can be adapted for indoor or outdoor installation;
3. which automatically operate on a repetitive cycle, daily or on a preselected combination of days;
4. which will not operate during rainfall if rain occurs during the automatic operate time interval;
5. which will resume sprinkling if rainfall stops during the operate time interval;
6. which will not permit lawn sprinkler to flutter on and off during light rainfall but will provide control coterminously with rainfall;
7. which provide manual sprinkler override control;
8. which provide a simple reliable rain alarm;
9. which provide an outdoor hermetically sealed casing that is electrical shock hazzard proof;
10. which provide an electrical plug that is air cooled;
11. which provide a casing unit that is attachable to and is supported by a conventional outdoor water faucet;
12. which are simple and compact and are of a unitary construction, all of the components being housed in a single casing which can be hermetically sealed to keep foreign substances out;
13. which are portable and can be readily moved from place to place;
14. which are comparatively inexpensive to manufacture;
15. which are highly reliable in operation;
16. which can be installed easily, quickly, and without the exercise of special skills or the use of special tools;
17. which are safe to operate and to install;
18. which, in conjunction with the preceding object, are characterized by a minimum of exposed electrical lines;
19. which have a high degree of versatility;
20. in which, in conjunction with the preceding object, provision is made for easily and quickly adding auxiliary flow and/or control devices to the basic controls; and,
21. which have various combinations of the foregoing attributes.
Other important objects, features, and additional advantages of the invention will become apparent from the appended claims and as the ensuing detailed description anddiscussion proceeds in conjunction with the accompanying drawing, in which
FIG. 1 is a somewhat pictorial illustration of a sprinkler flow control system in accord with the principles of the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the sprinkler flow control system of FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a somewhat pictorial illustration of the extension plug which provides the grounded-barrier constant energy source of operating voltage in accord with the principles of the present invention;
FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of the extension plug of FIG. 3;
FIG. 5 shows an alternate valve operating control arrangement for sprinkler controls in accord with the principles of the present invention;
FIG. 6 is an elevation of a sprinkler flow control in accord with the principles of the present invention, the casing of the unit being broken away to show its internal components;
FIG. 7 is a somewhat pictorial illustrated plan view of the operating control panel in accord with the principles of the present invention, showing clock timer and mode switch;
FIG. 8 is a partial elevation of the operating control panel in accord with the principles of the present invention showing the hermetically sealed pivot that actuates the clock switch;
FIG. 9 is an elevation view of the bottom cover that shows the valve supported; therefrom, in accord with the principles of the present invention;
FIG. 10 is a partial cut-away elevation that shows the rain switch cable coil type hinge between lower main casing and top cover in accord with the principles of the present invention;
FIG. 11 is a partial cut-away elevation in accord with the principles of the present invention showing the rain switch mounted on the top cover with means for adjusting its elevation angle;
FIG. 12 is a pictorial view of the remote rain alarm unit in accord with the principles of the present invention;
FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of the remote rain alarm unit of FIG. 12;
FIG. 14 is an elevation of an auxiliary outdoor valve showing the novel pin lock in accord with the principles of the present invention;
FIG. 15 is an elevation of a faucet supported sprinkler control in accord with the principles of the present invention, the casing of the unit being broken away to show its internal components;
FIG. 16 is an elevation of the valve mounted to a heremetic sealed casing exterior with the valve actuator enclosed inside of the casing in accord with the principles of the present invention; and,
FIG. 17 is a side elevation of the sprinkler control enclosed in a rectangular casing adapted for indoor installation in accord with the principles of the present invention.
Referring now to the drawing, FIGS. 1 and 2 disclose a sprinklercontrol system 9 in accord with the principles of the present invention, including a master control unit 12 for automatically controlling the flow of liquid through the flexible conduit 10 and from the lawn sprinker 11.
The typical lawn sprinkler flow control system includes a flow control 12 with an electrically actuated flow valve 44 controlling fluid flow in the distribution system; comprising water faucet 24, flexible flow conduits 10 and 20, and lawnsprinkler 11. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the typical lawn sprinkler flow control system may include an auxiliary outdoor valve 14 that contains an electrical actuated valve 138 connected to the flow control by means of cable 154. The auxiliary outdoorvalve 14, may receive fluid from a second outdoor faucet 13 through flexible fluid conduit 31 and may provide lawn irrigation may means of a second sprinkler 11 connected; thereto, by flexible fluid conduit 32. Flexible fluid conduits are attached byfittings 158 and 160.
It is understood that both fluid conduits 10 and 32 may each be connected to 2 or more sprinkler heads 11 by means of conventional fluid fitting "T"'s inserted in flexible fluid lines 10 and 32.
The flow control 12 causes flow valves 44 and 138 to open and close; thus, controlling the emission of fluid from sprinklers 11. As shown in FIG. 2, the electrical actuator H148 of value 138 is connected in parallel with the electrical actuatorH54 of valve 44; thereby, operating concurrently in unison. Electrical power for flow control 12 is provided from a conventional exterior 105-125 volt, 60 cycle AC, outdoor electrical duplex receptacle 78, into which is plugged the unique extensionpower plug 80, which is connected to flow control 12 by a 3-wire grounded extension cable 18.
Both flow control 12 and auxiliary outdoor valve 14 are supported on tubular vertical stanchions 38 and 96 respectively and respective control cables 18 and 154 may be terminated into the casings of the control units, either by use of hermeticstrain reliefs 87 (see FIGS. 9 and 13) or by insertion through the t | | | |
