Patent ID: 6932277
Filing Date: 2005-08-23
Classification: A01G,Y10T

Abstract:
1. An irrigation system configured to irrigate an area, the irrigation system comprising: a plurality of water distribution units, each of which distributes water over at least a portion of the area; a plurality of conduits for conveying water to the water distribution units; a plurality of valves, each of which has an open configuration permitting water flow into least one of the conduits and a closed configuration substantially blocking water flow into at least one of the conduits; a control unit transmitting valve activation signals to electrically trigger movement of the valves between the open and closed configurations; a common wire to be coupled to the control unit; a plurality of valve wires to be coupled to the valves; and a junction unit to electrically couple the common wire to the plurality of valve wires independent of any direct physical contact between the common wire and the plurality of valve wires, wherein the junction unit comprises a control unit wire receptacle for receiving a junction end of the common wire, a plurality of valve wire receptacles for receiving junction ends of the valve wires, and a blocking member positioned to restrict moisture entry into the junction unit, the blocking member having a frangible portion configured to be ruptured to permit wire insertion into one of the receptacles.