Abstract:
A sprinkler system to control distribution of water flow to a plurality of sprinkler heads, the heads providing an outlet to dispense water passing through a corresponding one of the plurality of sprinkler heads and a plurality of distribution control devices, one of the plurality of distribution control devices coupled to a corresponding one of the plurality of sprinkler heads, wherein the distribution control device controls water flow to an associated sprinkler heads for a first predetermined period of time when a flow of water through the distribution control device is detected.

Description:
CLAIM OF PRIORITY 
     This application claims, pursuant to 35 USC 119, priority to, and the benefit of, the filing date of that provisional patent application entitled, A Sprinkler System, filed on Feb. 15, 2015 and afforded Ser. No. 62/116525, the content of which is incorporated by reference, herein. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The inventor is related to the field of water distribution and more particularly to a serial water control system. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Lawn sprinkler systems and sprinkler devices are well known in the art. In a conventional lawn sprinkler system, a sprinkler head may include an input port, which through a hose connection is attached to a water source (e.g., a hose bib connected to a water supply). As water is presented to the sprinkler heads, the sprinkler head (e.g., impact sprinkler, fan sprinkler) projects the supplied water a known distance in a desired pattern (e.g., circular, semi -circular, fan shaped, bubble, drip etc.) 
     A typical sprinkler head may further include an outlet port, which allows a second sprinkler head to be connected in series to a preceding sprinkler head. The distance of the supplied water by the sprinkler, is dependent upon the pressure of the water delivered to the input port. Thus, the distance water is projected by a single sprinkler head is greater than the distance of the sprinkler head when two or more sprinkler heads are connected in series. 
     Thus, as additional sprinkler heads are added in series, the water pressure delivered to each sprinkler head decreases and the distance that the supplied water is projected from each of the sprinkler heads decreases. 
       FIG. 1A  illustrates an exemplary sprinkler system configuration  100  wherein a water source  105  is connected, through a conduit (e.g., hose, piping, etc.)  130  to sprinkler head  110 . Sprinkler head  110  may be a conventional impact sprinkler, for example, that projects the supplied water, in this illustrated example, in a circular pattern, with a radius R. The distance R that the water is projected is based primarily on the water pressure that is present at the input of the sprinkler head  110 . In this illustrated example, a control unit  140  connects the sprinkler heads  110  to a corresponding hose segment  120 . The control unit  140  may be an manual or an automatic timer device that provides water for a predetermined time. However, it would be appreciated that the conduit  130  may be connected directed to the water source  105 . 
       FIG. 1B  illustrates an exemplary sprinkler system incorporating a plurality of sprinkler heads  110  (represented as  110   a,    110   b  . . .  110   n ) connected in series through hose segments  130  (represented as  130   a,    130   b,  . . .  130   n ). Each sprinkler head  110  includes an input port  115  and an output port  120 , wherein a free end of a first hose segment  130   a  is attached to a water source  105  (e.g., hose bib) and a free end of a second hose segment  130   b  is attached to the output port of one sprinkler head  110   a  while a second free end of hose segment  130   b  is attached to an input port of a second sprinkler head  110   b.  The output port  120  of the last sprinkler head  110   n  is capped. 
     In this illustrative example of a serial irrigation system when water from the source  105  is provided to the plurality of sprinkler heads  110   a  . . .  110   n,  the pressure at the input of each of the sprinkler heads  110   a  . . .  110   n  is decreased, as water is being distributed by the prior sprinkler head in the serial line. Hence, the projection of the provided water at each sprinkler head  110 , distance R′, is less than the distance when a full pressure is applied to a single sprinkler head. 
     Thus, a greater number of sprinkler heads is necessary to cover a large area. However, if too many sprinkler heads is placed in series, the pressure may insufficient to project the applied fluid any appreciable distance. 
     Generally, to cover larger areas, in-ground sprinkler systems are employed, wherein sprinkler heads  110  are typically placed in parallel groups of a plurality of sprinkler heads  110  as shown in  FIG. 2 . 
       FIG. 2  illustrates a conventional sprinkler system  200  including a plurality of sprinkler heads  110  grouped into a plurality of sprinkler groups (or paths). In this illustrated example the conventional sprinkler system  200  is composed of three parallel groups (paths) of serially connected sprinkler heads  110 . It would be recognized that the number of parallel groups of serially connected sprinkler heads may be increased or decreased without altering the principles of the conventional sprinkler system. 
     As discussed with regard to the serial connection of  FIG. 1B , the number of sprinkler heads  110  in each serial connection is limited based on the water pressure at the output of the water source  105  as water pressure continues to decrease at each sprinkler head, as previously discussed. 
     Also shown is a central controller  210  that operates to control each group of sprinkler heads  110  in a time division manner, wherein one group of a plurality of sprinkler heads  110  is operated at a given time. In this conventional sprinkler system  200 , the central controller  210  provides a timed release of water to each group of sprinkler heads. 
     Conventional sprinkler systems  200 , thus, may be constructed to provide irrigation coverage of large areas as the number of groups of sprinklers  110  may be increased. 
     However, such systems have significant cost in their initial installation and once installed, the cost to modify the system (i.e., redirecting feedlines, sprinkler heads, etc.) is also significant. 
     In addition, in areas with expected cold temperatures, the installed feed lines need be drained to prevent freezing of water remaining in the feed-lines. This requires generally a sufficiently pressurized air supply to be injected into each of the feed lines, one feed line at a time, to dispense any water remaining in the feed-lines. 
     In conventional sprinkler systems, coverage of large area requires additional sprinkler heads or expensive in-ground systems. Hence, there is a need in the industry for a sprinkler system and sprinkler devices that provide for ease of installation, and modification and further provides for large coverage areas. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     A system to control distribution of water flow to water sprinkler nozzles is disclosed. The system comprises a plurality of sprinkler heads, said heads providing an outlet to dispense water passing through a corresponding one of said plurality of sprinkler heads and a plurality of distribution control devices, one of said plurality of distribution control devices coupled to a corresponding one of the plurality of sprinkler heads, wherein the distribution control device controls fluid (e.g., water) flow to an associated sprinkler heads for a first predetermined period of time when a flow of water through the distribution control device is detected. 
    
    
     
       DRAWINGS 
       For a better understanding of exemplary embodiments and to show how the same may be carried into effect, reference is made to the accompanying drawings. It is stressed that the particulars shown are by way of example only and for purposes of illustrative discussion of the preferred embodiments of the present disclosure, and are presented in the cause of providing what is believed to be the most useful and readily understood description of the principles and conceptual aspects of the invention. In this regard, no attempt is made to show structural details of the invention in more detail than is necessary for a fundamental understanding of the invention, the description taken with the drawings making apparent to those skilled in the art how the several forms of the invention may be embodied in practice. In the accompanying drawings: 
         FIGS. 1A and 1B  illustrate coverage patterns of a conventional irrigation system using conventional sprinkler heads. 
         FIG. 2  illustrates a conventional in-ground sprinkler system. 
         FIG. 3  illustrates an exemplary sprinkler system in accordance with the principles invention. 
         FIGS. 4A and 4B  illustrate a water control device in accordance with a first embodiment in accordance with the principles of the invention. 
         FIGS. 5A and 5B  illustrate a water control device in accordance with a second embodiment in accordance with the principles of the invention. 
         FIG. 6  illustrates an exemplary timing diagraming in accordance with the principles of the invention. 
         FIG. 7  illustrates an exemplary processing associated for controlling water flow in accordance with the principles of the invention. 
         FIGS. 8A and 8B  illustrate a water control device in accordance with a third embodiment in accordance with the principles of the invention. 
     
    
    
     It is to be understood that the figures and descriptions of the present invention described herein have been simplified to illustrate the elements that are relevant for a clear understanding of the present invention, while eliminating, for purposes of clarity many other elements. However, because these omitted elements are well-known in the art, and because they do not facilitate a better understanding of the present invention, a discussion of such elements is not provided herein. The disclosure herein is directed to also variations and modifications known to those skilled in the art. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       FIG. 3  illustrates an exemplary sprinkler system  300  in accordance with the principles of the invention. In this illustrative example, a controller (or control unit)  140  is connected to water source  105  as previously described (see  FIG. 1A ). A plurality of distribution devices  350  (individually referred to as  350   a  . . .  350   n ) are serially connected to controller  140  through connecting conduits (e.g., hose segments)  130  ( 130   a,    130   b  . . .  130   n ). 
     An output  320  of distribution device  350  (e.g.,  350 (n- 1 ) is connected to an input  310  of a next distribution device  350  (e.g.,  350   n ) through corresponding conduits  130  (e.g.,  130   n ). 
     Further illustrated is sprinkler head  110  (i.e.,  110   a  . . .  110   n ) attached to an output  330  of corresponding distribution device  350  (i.e.,  350   a  . . .  350   n ) through corresponding hose segments  135  ( 135   a  . . .  135   n ). Each of the hose segments  135  is connected on a first end to output port  330  of a corresponding distribution device  350  and on a second end to an input port  115  of sprinkler head  110 . 
     In one aspect of the invention, system  300  may be controlled by controller  140 , which includes a timer  390 . Water control timers  390 , are well known in the art. Generally, water control timer  390  allows water to flow (i.e., turn on) for a limited period of time. As water control timers are commercially available, a detailed discussion of their operation need not be discussed, herein. 
     In one aspect, the water timer  390  may be a mechanical countdown timer, wherein a timer dial is manually turned to a desired length of time. The mechanical countdown timer allows water to flow for the desired length of time. In another aspect, water timer  390  may be an electronic counter, wherein the timer is programmed to turn-on at preset times and for preset durations. In this case, the water timer may self turn-on at the preset time and allow water flow for the preset duration. 
     In accordance with the principles of the invention, distribution device  350  represents a further controller (i.e., a water control device) that operates to allow water to flow to one of a first output port  330  or to a second output port  320 . In accordance with the principles of the invention, the flow of water is directed to a device (e.g., a connected sprinkler head  110  for a predetermined period of time) and then after the expiration of the predetermined period of time, water is directed away from the first output port  330  and directed toward the second output port  320 . 
     In accordance with the principles of the invention, each sprinkler head  110  receives a full amount of pressure of the provided water flow for a predetermined or programmed time. In this case, the sprinkler head  110  essentially operates as a single sprinkler head  110  projecting the provided water a maximum distance (i.e., R,  FIG. 1A ). 
     At the expiration of a predetermined time, distribution device  350  (e.g.,  350   a ) is configured such that water flow from the attached connected first sprinkler head  110  (e.g.,  110   a ) at output port  330  is directed to a second distribution device  350  (e.g.,  350   b ) or a second sprinkler head  110  connected to the second output port  320  of distribution device  350  (e.g.,  350   a ). 
     In one aspect of the invention, when the second distribution device  350  (e.g.,  350   b ) receives water from distribution device  350  (e.g.,  350   a ), second distribution device  350   b  directs the received water to a first output port  330 , wherein a corresponding sprinkler head  110  may be attached to the first output port  330  of distribution device  350   b.    
     As previously discussed, the received water at distribution device  350   b  is applied to first output port  330  (e.g.,  330   b ) for a second predetermined time. The second predetermined time may be independently set from that of the first predetermined time set associated distribution device  350   b  (or with any other distribution devices  350  in a serial line). 
     At the completion of the second predetermined time, water flow through distribution device  350   b  is directed toward the corresponding second output port (e.g.,  320   b ). In this matter, the flow of water progresses from one distribution device  350  to a next distribution device in a seral manner, wherein the full amount of pressure is applied to an attached sprinkler head  110  for a predetermined or programmable time period. 
       FIGS. 4A and 4B  illustrate cross-sectional views of a first embodiment of distribution device  350  in accordance with a first aspect and a second aspect, respectively, of the invention. 
     Referring to  FIG. 4A , in this illustrated example, distribution device  350  includes a housing  360  comprising an input port  310  and first output port  330  and second output port  320 . Extending from input port  310  is an internal conduit or channel  310   a.  Conduit or channel  310   a  provides a means for transferring fluid entering input port  310  to connector  420 . Connect  420 , which is rotatable about axis  425 , which is perpendicular to the plane of the illustrated connector  425  (i.e., directed into the plane of this paper) positions input port  310  to be in fluid communication with one of the first output port  330  or second output port  320  through corresponding conduits  330   a  and  320   a,  respectively. 
     The input port  310 , the first output port  330  and the second output port  320  may incorporate a screw thread  405  that allows attachment of a corresponding port to a corresponding conduit  130 ,  135  (see  FIG. 3 , for example). In one aspect of the invention, the screw tread  405  may be a conventional thread associated with water hose connections. 
     Connector  420  includes a first input port  450  and a second input port  455  and an output port  460 . As will be discussed first input port  450 , in a first aspect of the invention of the invention shown in  FIG. 4A , operates as an input port to receive water from a previous distribution device and in a second aspect of the invention, operates as an output port to distribute received water through first output port  330  (see  FIG. 4B ). 
     In accordance with the principles of the invention, the distribution device  350  applies a full pressure of fluid to one of the first output port  330  or the second output port  320  based on the orientation of connector  420 . 
     In the illustrated aspect of the invention shown in  FIG. 4A , first input port  450 , operates as an output port, as being positioned in fluid communication with first output port  330  of distribution device  350  and second input port  455  is positioned in fluid communication with the input port  310  of distribution device  350 . In this aspect of the invention, a full pressure of fluid flow (e.g., water) is provided to the first output port  330  and fluid flow is blocked from exiting through output port  320 . 
       FIG. 4B  illustrates a cross-sectional view of distribution device  350  in accordance with a second aspect of the invention. 
     In this illustrated aspect of the invention, input port  450  is positioned in fluid communication with first input port  310  of distribution device  350  and output port  460  is positioned in fluid communication with the second output port  320  of distribution device  350 . In this aspect of the invention, a full pressure fluid flow is provided to the second output port  320  as water flows from input port  310  to output port  320  through connector  420 . 
     In accordance with this aspect of the invention, fluid flow is directed from the input port  310  to one of the first output port  330  or the second output ort  320  based on the orientation of connector  420 . In this illustrative embodiment, the first and second output ports,  330 ,  320 , respectively, are oriented at substantially a ninety (90) degree angle with respect to each other. Furthermore, the first input port  450  of connector  420  is positioned at a substantially 90 degree angle with respect to the second input port  460  of connector  420 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 4A , also shown is motor  470 . In accordance with the principles of the invention motor  470  positions connector  420  such that a fluid connection between one of first output port  330  or second output port  320  is achieved. Motor  470  may engage a gear type mechanism  475  (e.g., worm gear, sprocket gear, etc.). Gear mechanism  475  may engage axis  425 , which represents the axis of rotation of connector  420 . Gear mechanism  475  translates the rotation of an axis of motor  470  into a force sufficient to drive connector  420  about its axis of rotation  425 . 
     Electronic circuit  490  provides electronic control of motor  470  to position connector  420  in one of second state (e.g., output port  460  in fluid communications with second output port  320 ) or a first state (e.g., input port  450  in fluid communication with first output port  330 ). 
     Electronic circuit  490  comprises an input device  492 , a timer  494 , a reset timer  496  and a synchronized driver  498 . 
     Input device  492  may represent a key input device (e.g., a button) that allows a user to input a preset time value for each key input. For example, if each key input represents 15 minutes then depression of the key input three times would represent a 45 minute time period. In another aspect of the invention, input device  492  may represent a keypad that includes the numbers 0 through 9. In this case, the user may enter a time value, such 10 minutes, 17 minutes, etc., up to a maximum time (e.g., 99 minutes). In another aspect of the invention the input device  492  may include a visual indicator showing the user the inputted time value. The visual indicator may be a series of lights and/or a numerical display. 
     Timer  494  receives the inputted time value and sets a countdown timer (not shown countdown timers utilizing semiconductor chips, such as a  555  timer are well known in the art) corresponding to the inputted time value. At the conclusion of the countdown timer represented by timer  494 , motor  470  is activated to cause connector  420  to change from a one state to a next state (e.g., a first state to a second state). 
     Reset timer  496  represents a countdown timer that is set at a significantly long time. At the expiration of the reset timer  496 , motor  470  is activated to cause connector  420  to move from one state to the other state, as will be discussed. Input device  492  may be used to input a reset time in a manner similar to the countdown time. 
     Synchronized driver  498  represents a driver that caused motor  470 , through a series of gears  475 , to move from one state to the other state (i.e., first to second or second to first). 
     Also shown is switch  499 . Switch  499  may be used to determine when timer  494  and reset time  496  begin a respective countdown process. In accordance with the principles of the invention, switch  499  may be one of a vane switch, a diaphragm switch or other similar type switch that operates when water flow is detected. Switch  499  may be in communication with conduit  310   a.    
     Although not shown it would be appreciated, that a source of electrical energy is provided to distribution device  350  in order to operate motor  470  and electronic circuitry  490 . The source of electrical energy may be provided by one or more of commercially available batteries (e.g., alkaline), rechargeable batteries (e.g., NiMh, NiCd, Li ion), a combination of solar cell and rechargeable batteries, a supplied alternating current (AC) voltage or a supplied direct current (DC) voltage. In one aspect of the invention, commercially batteries may be in direct electrical communication with motor  470  and electronic circuitry  490  (including switch  499 ). In another aspect of the invention, a DC voltage may be provided through electrical wiring that may run alongside or integrated into corresponding conduit  130 . In one aspect of the invention, the electrical wiring may be selected as a low DC voltage wiring that is commercially available. 
     In one exemplary embodiment of the invention, each of the distribution devices  350  ( 350 ,  351  ...  350   n ) shown in  FIG. 3  are preset in the first state or may be initialized to the first state, wherein water flow is directed to a corresponding sprinkler head  110  attached to first output port  330 . In this case, when switch  499  determines water flow is present (i.e., water is turn-ed on), timer  494  is activated to begin the associated countdown timer. During the period time  494  is active, full water pressure applied to first distribution device  350  at input port  310  is applied to the sprinkler head  110  connected to first output port  330 . As connector  420  of distribution device  350  is directed to first output port  330 , water is prevented from exiting second output port  320  of distribution device  350 . 
     When the countdown timer of timer  494  expires, connector  420  is moved from the first state to the second state. In this second state, water flow is prevented from being provided to corresponding sprinkler head  110  through first output port  330  and passes through distribution device  350  toward second output port  320 . 
     The next distribution device (e.g.,  350   b ) in the serial line, now receiving the full water pressure, detects fluid flow and switch  499  initiates timer  494  to begin a corresponding countdown time, as described with regard to distribution device  350   a.    
     As discussed with regard to distribution device  350   a,  the full water pressure received at the input port  310  of distribution device  350   b  is applied to the corresponding sprinkler head  110  connected to the first output port  330  of distribution device  350   b.  When the countdown timer associated with timer  494  of distribution device  350   b  expires, the connector  420  in distribution device  350   b  is moved from its current position (i.e., first state) to the second state (i.e., second output port  320 ). In this case, water is allowed to flow through distribution device  350   b  to a next distribution device (e.g.,  350   c ) in the serial line. 
     The process repeats for each distribution device  350  (e.g.,  350   d  . . .  350   n ) within the serially connected distribution device  350   s.  That is, countdown timer of timer  494  is initiated when water is determined to be flowing at input port  310  of distribution device  350   x  (x=a . . . n). The waters directed to a corresponding sprinkler head  110  attached to first output port  330  of device  350   x.  At the expiration of the countdown timer associated with timer  494  of device  350   x,  connector  420  is moved from its first position to its second position. In this case, water is allowed to flow through distribution device  350   x  to a next distribution device (e.g.,  350   x +1). 
     As would be recognized, the countdown timer associated with timer  494  in each of the devices  350   a - 350   n  may be independently set. 
     In this case, the amount of water applied to each of the attached sprinkler head  110  may be independently controlled. Such independent control is advantageous as it allows different levels of watering to occur for different plant types (e.g., grass, plants, trees, etc.). 
     At the expiration of the reset time in each distribution devices  350   a - 350   n,  the corresponding connector  420  is moved from the current state (i.e., the pass through state) to the first state. 
     Hence, in accordance with the principles of the invention, each of the distribution devices  350   a - 350   n  is positioned in a first state for a next water flow condition. 
       FIGS. 5A and 5B  illustrate an exemplary cross-sectional view of distribution device  350  in accordance with a second exemplary embodiment in accordance with the principles of the invention. In this illustrative exemplary embodiment, the first and second output ports,  330 ,  320 , respectively, are positioned at a substantially forty-five (45) degree angle with respect to each other. 
     The exemplary embodiment of the invention, shown in  FIGS. 5A and 5B , operates in a manner similar to that described with regard to the embodiment shown in FIGS.  4 A and  4 B. Thus, a detailed description of the operation of the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 5A and 5B  would be understood by those skilled in the art from their reading of the operation of the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 4A and 4B . Thus, a detailed description of the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 5A and 5B  need not be described in detail, herein. 
     As would be recognized, the orientation of the output ports  320 ,  330  with respect to each other provides for a smoother flow of water to each of the output ports  320 ,  330 . 
     Although not shown, it would be recognized that output ports  320 ,  330  may be oriented at an angle of 22.5 degrees with regard to input port  310  without altering the scope of the invention. Orientation of output ports  320 ,  330  at 22.5 degrees with regard to input port  310  maintains an orientation of 45 degrees between output ports  320 ,  330  while requiring a minimum movement of connector  420 . 
     In one aspect of the invention, the reset timer  496  may be set to be commensurate with a maximum expected time of water distribution. For example, using control timer  140 , as shown in  FIG. 1 , the reset timer of each of distribution devices  350   a - 350   n  may be set to be comparable to the time of water distribution determined by control timer  140 . In this case, each of the distribution device  350   a - 350   n  in the serial circuit will transition from one state to the other state at the expiration of the reset time. 
     In one aspect of the invention, the reset timer may be preset to a fixed time or may be set by a user through an input device, as previously discussed. 
     The reset timer may represent an absolute time (e.g., 0.5, 1, 2 6, 8, 10 hours, etc.) or may be a relative time (e.g., 2, 4, 6 hours) after detection of a fluid flow at a corresponding input port  310 . In accordance with the principles of the invention, at the expiration of the reset timer the position of connector  420  of a corresponding control device  350  is positioned from one state to its other state. In one aspect, the connector  420  is position such that a next fluid flow is directed toward the first output port  330  and to attached sprinkler head  110  (e.g., first state). 
       FIG. 6  illustrates an exemplary timing diagram in accordance with the principles of the invention. 
     In this illustrated embodiment, fluid flow is initiated at time t0 and extends for a predetermined time (tx). The duration of the fluid flow  610  (t0-tx) may be determined by a controller ( FIG. 1, 140 ) that may be mechanical or electronic, as previously discussed. 
     At time t0, when fluid begins to flow, the first control device  350   a  detects the fluid flow and initiates a countdown timer, which may be prefixed or inputted, as previously described. Water flow is directed toward first output port  330  (see  FIG. 4A , for example), for the prefixed or inputted countdown timer  620 . At the expiration of the countdown timer, time t1, fluid flow is directed toward next control device  350   b.  In this case, control device  350   b  initiates a countdown timer for a prefixed or inputted time period  630 . At the expiration of the countdown timer, time t2, fluid flow is directed toward next control device  350   c,  which initiates a countdown timer  640 . At the expiration of the countdown timer  640 , at time t3, fluid flow is directed toward next control device  350   d  (not shown). This process repeats for each of the control devices  350   a - 350   n  for the duration of the fluid flow  610 . 
     In one aspect of the invention, a reset timer is initiated at each of the control devices  350   a - 350   n  upon detection of fluid flow. At the conclusion of a reset time, e.g.,  650 ,  660 ,  670 , the corresponding control device  350  returns to its initial state, etc. 
       FIG. 7  illustrates an exemplary process operable in a control device  350  in accordance with the principles of the invention. 
     At step  710  a determination is made whether fluid flow is detected. If the answer is negative, the processing continues to determine whether fluid is flowing at step  710 . 
     Otherwise, processing continues to step  720 , where a countdown timer and a reset timer are set. One or both of the countdown timer and reset timer may be provided by a user input or may be a preset value. At block  730 , a determination is made whether the countdown timer has expired. If not, then processing continues to determine whether the countdown timer has expired at block  730 . 
     However, when the countdown timer has expired, then at block  740 , the position of the control device is altered, such that the fluid flow is directed to a second output. At block  750 , a determination is made whether the reset timer has expired. If the reset timer has not expired, then processing continues to monitor whether the reset timer has expired at block  750 , while water continues to flow through the control device. 
     However, when the reset timer has expired, then processing continues to block  760 , wherein the position of the control device is altered, such that the fluid flow is directed to a first input. 
       FIGS. 8A and 8B  illustrate a water control device  800  in accordance with a third embodiment of the invention. 
       FIG. 8A  illustrates an exemplary water control device  800  in a first aspect of the invention. In this illustrated aspect, water control device  800  includes motor  470 , gear  475  and switch  499 , as previously described. Further illustrated is electronic circuit  490 , and input port  310 , as previously described. 
     Further illustrated is channel  810  extending from the input port  310  through water control device  800 . Channel  810  includes two ports  844  and  854 . Connected to channel  810  at ports  844  and  854 , respectively, are channels  842  and  852  respectively. Channels  842  and  852  fluidly connect ports  844  and  854 , respectively to corresponding first output port  840  and a second output port  850 . Ports  844 ,  854  allows fluid flow through one of first output port  840  and second output port  850 . 
     Further illustrated is valve  820 . Valve  820  is slidable within channel  810 . Valve  820  includes a valve input port  825  and a valve output port  830 . In one aspect of the invention, valve  820  may represent a hollow cylindrical tube have a first open end  825  and a closed second end  826 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 8A , valve output port  830  is aligned with port  844  such that fluid entering input port  310  flows through channel  810  into first open end  825  and is directed to channel  842  and output port  840 . 
     In a second aspect, as shown in  FIG. 8B , valve  820  is positioned in a second position. In this second position, fluid entering input port  310  flows through channel  810  into first open end  825  and is directed to pass through output port  830 , which is aligned with port  854 , to output port  850 . 
     In this aspect of the invention, valve  820  blocks fluid passage to output port  840 . 
     The operation of water control device  800  is similar to that shown in  FIG. 4  and the exemplary processing shown in  FIG. 7  is applicable to the operation of water control device  800 . Hence, further detail discussion regarding the operation of the device  800  is not necessary. 
     In accordance with the principles of the invention, a large scale sprinkler system may be constructed using a plurality of water control devices as shown in  FIGS. 4A, 5A and 8A , to allow coverage of large areas without the expense of installing in-ground type systems. In addition, the sprinkler system constructed in accordance with the principles of the invention may be reconfigured as desired without the expense of digging up in-ground sprinkler heads. In addition, the sprinkler system need not be drained or purged as the devices and connecting hoses may be stored during the winter periods. 
     The above-described methods according to the present invention can be implemented in hardware, firmware or as software or computer code that can be stored in a recording medium such as a CD ROM, an RAM, a floppy disk, a hard disk, or a magneto-optical disk or computer code downloaded over a network originally stored on a remote recording medium or a non-transitory machine readable medium and to be stored on a local recording medium, so that the methods described herein can be rendered in such software that is stored on the recording medium using a general purpose computer, or a special processor or in programmable or dedicated hardware, such as an ASIC or FPGA. As would be understood in the art, the computer, the processor, microprocessor, controller or the programmable hardware include memory components, e.g., RAM, ROM, Flash, etc. that may store or receive software or computer code that when accessed and executed by the computer, processor or hardware implement the processing methods described herein. In addition, it would be recognized that when a general purpose computer accesses code for implementing the processing shown herein, the execution of the code transforms the general purpose computer into a special purpose computer for executing the processing shown herein. 
     Furthermore, a computer, a processor and/or dedicated hardware/software are described herein as being capable of performing the processing described herein, and it would be recognized that a computer, a processor and/or dedicated hardware/software are well -known elements in the art of signal processing and, thus, a detailed description of the elements of the computer, processor and/or dedicated hardware/software need not provided in order for one skilled in the art to practice the invention described, herein. For example, electronic circuit  490  may comprise an embedded processor or special purposed hardware configuration that operates software or logic instructions to implement the processing shown herein. 
     Returning to  FIGS. 1A, 1B and 3 , in accordance with the principles of the invention, as a full pressure is applied to each of the sprinkler heads, in a timely manner, the spacing of each sprinkler head  110  may be separated by the distance R ( FIG. 1A ) as opposed to the distance R′ ( FIG. 1B ). Thus, the number of sprinkler heads  110  needed to cover a desired area is reduced, while at the same time allowing any number of sprinkler heads  110  to be connected in series. 
     The invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments. One of ordinary skill in the art, however, appreciates that various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth in the claims. Accordingly, the specification is to be regarded in an illustrative manner, rather than with a restrictive view, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the invention. 
     Benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems have been described above with regard to specific embodiments. The benefits, advantages, and solutions to problems, and any element(s) that may cause any benefits, advantages, or solutions to occur or become more pronounced, are not to be construed as a critical, required, or an essential feature or element of any or all of the claims. 
     As used herein, the terms “comprises”, “comprising”, “includes”, “including”, “has”, “having”, or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusions. For example, a process, method, article or apparatus that comprises a list of elements is not necessarily limited to only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. In addition, unless expressly stated to the contrary, the term “of” refers to an inclusive “or” and not to an exclusive “or”. For example, a condition A or B is satisfied by any one of the following: A is true (or present) and B is false (or not present); A is false (or not present) and B is true (or present); and both A and B are true (or present). 
     The terms “a” or “an” as used herein are to describe elements and components of the invention. This is done for convenience to the reader and to provide a general sense of the invention. The use of these terms in the description herein should be read and understood to include one or at least one. In addition, the singular also includes the plural unless indicated to the contrary. For example, reference to a composition containing “a compound” includes one or more compounds. As used in this specification and the appended claims, the term “or” is generally employed in its sense including “and/or” unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. 
     All numeric values are herein assumed to be modified by the term “about,” whether or not explicitly indicated. The term “about” generally refers to a range of numbers that one of skill in the art would consider equivalent to the recited value (i.e., having the same function or result). In any instances, the terms “about” may include numbers that are rounded (or lowered) to the nearest significant figure. 
     It is expressly intended that all combinations of those elements that perform substantially the same function in substantially the same way to achieve the same results are within the scope of the invention. Substitutions of elements from one described embodiment to another are also fully intended and contemplated.