Abstract:
A hose tap timer is disclosed comprising structure for shutting off the hose tap timer valves when a control member is separated from or attached to a dock for a manifold member of the hose tap timer.

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present invention relates generally to an irrigation controller and, more particularly, relates to a hose tap timer. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Hose tap timers are used to control irrigation of, for example, a lawn or garden area without the need to construct an underground watering system. However, improvements in usability, functionality, and construction of hose tap timers are desirable. 
     SUMMARY 
     Embodiments of the disclosed subject matter are provided below for illustrative purposes and are in no way limiting of the claimed subject matter. 
     A hose tap timer is disclosed. The hose tap timer may comprise a control member. 
     The control member may comprise a processor. 
     The control member may further comprise a memory component in electronic communication with the processor. The memory component may comprise control data specifying when electronic signals will be sent to a particular valve. 
     The control member may further comprise at least a first contact prong, a second contact prong, and a third contact prong. 
     The control member may also comprise a signal circuitry component in communication with the processor and in communication with each of the first contact prong, second contact prong, and third contact prong. 
     The watering device may comprise a manifold member. A manifold member may comprise a fluid input coupling. 
     The manifold member may comprise one or more fluid output couplings. Each of the one or more fluid output couplings may be in fluid communication with the fluid input coupling along a fluid pathway associated with each of the one or more fluid output couplings. 
     The manifold member may comprise a valve coupled to each fluid pathway. The valve may be controllable in response to electronic signals to move between an open and a closed state. 
     The manifold member may further comprise a dock shaped to receive the control member in an entry engaging position, an intermediate engaging position, and a fully engaged position. 
     The dock of the manifold member may comprise an electronic contact panel having a first dimension and a second dimension. The first dimension may be perpendicular to the second dimension. The electronic contact panel may comprise an entry end, an entry region, an intermediate region, a fully engaged region, and a fully engaged end. The entry region may be disposed intermediate the entry end and the intermediate region along the first dimension, and the fully engaged region may be disposed intermediate the intermediate region and the fully engaged end along the first dimension. 
     The electronic contact panel may comprise a first electronic contact strip that may extend continuously along the first dimension from the entry end to the fully engaged end. 
     The electronic contact panel may further comprise an intermittent electronic contact pathway extending along the first dimension from the entry end to the fully engaged end. The intermittent electronic contact pathway may be offset from the first electronic contact strip along the second dimension. The intermittent electronic contact pathway may comprise a first noncontact region disposed within the entry region, an electronic contact region disposed within the intermediate region, and a second noncontact region disposed within the fully engaged region. 
     In certain embodiments, when the control member is in the entry engaging position, the first contact prong is positioned on the control member to contact the first electronic contact strip within the entry region and the second and third contact prongs are positioned on the control member to contact the first noncontact region. 
     In certain embodiments, when the control member is in the intermediate engaging position, the first contact prong is positioned on the control member to contact the first electronic contact strip within the intermediate region and the second and third contact prongs are positioned on the control member to contact the electronic contact region. 
     In certain embodiments, when the control member is in the fully engaged position, the first contact prong is positioned on the control member to contact the first electronic contact strip within the fully engaged region, the second contact prong is positioned on the control member to contact the second noncontact region and the third contact prong is positioned on the control member to contact the electronic contact region. 
     In certain embodiments, in response to the second and third contact prongs simultaneously contacting the electronic contact region, the control data is configured to transmit a close valve signal via the first contact prong. 
     In certain embodiments, in response to the second and third contact prongs simultaneously contacting the electronic contact region, the control data is configured to transmit a close valve signal via the first contact prong only if a valve in electronic communication with the first contact prong is in an open state. 
     The hose tap timer may further comprise a display screen in electronic communication with the processor. In addition, the hose tap timer may further comprise one or more user controls in electronic communication with the processor for altering the control data. 
     Another embodiment of a hose tap timer including additional or alternative features is disclosed. The hose tap timer may comprise a control member having circuitry configured to control valves in a manifold member. The control member may be connectable to a dock of the manifold member. 
     The manifold member may comprise a fluid input coupling. The manifold member may also comprise a first fluid output coupling in fluid communication with the fluid input coupling via a first fluid communication pathway. The first fluid output coupling may have a first fluid output opening. The first fluid output opening may have a first fluid output opening center point. 
     The manifold member may comprise a first valve coupled to the first fluid communication pathway for controlling fluid flow through the first fluid communication pathway. 
     The manifold member may further comprise a second fluid output coupling in fluid communication with the fluid input coupling via a second fluid communication pathway. The second fluid output coupling may have a second fluid output opening. The second fluid output opening may have a second fluid output opening center point. 
     The manifold member may further comprise a second valve coupled to the first fluid communication pathway for controlling fluid flow through the second fluid communication pathway. 
     The manifold member may further comprise a third fluid output coupling in fluid communication with the fluid input coupling via a third fluid communication pathway. The third fluid output coupling may have a third fluid output opening. The third fluid output opening may have a third fluid output opening center point. 
     The manifold member may also comprise a third valve coupled to the third fluid communication pathway for controlling fluid flow through the third fluid communication pathway. 
     The manifold member may comprise a fourth fluid output coupling in fluid communication with the fluid input coupling via a fourth fluid communication pathway. The fourth fluid output coupling may have a fourth fluid output opening. The fourth fluid output opening may have a fourth fluid output opening center point. 
     The manifold member may also comprise a fourth valve coupled to the fourth fluid communication pathway for controlling fluid flow through the fourth fluid communication pathway. 
     The manifold member comprises a side. 
     In certain embodiments, each of the first fluid output coupling, the second fluid output coupling, the third fluid output coupling, and the fourth fluid output coupling, are positioned on the side of the manifold member. 
     In certain embodiments, the first fluid output opening center point, the second fluid output opening center point, the third fluid output opening center point, and the fourth fluid output opening center point are arranged in a trapezoidal configuration. 
     In certain embodiments, the trapezoidal configuration comprises an isosceles trapezoidal configuration. 
     In certain embodiments, the manifold member may comprise a first dimension, a second dimension, and a third dimension with the first dimension being perpendicular to the second dimension, and the third dimension being perpendicular to both the first dimension and the second dimension. In certain embodiments, the first fluid output opening center point, the second fluid output opening center point, the third fluid output opening center point, and the fourth fluid output opening center point are aligned with respect to the first dimension. 
     In certain embodiments, the first fluid output opening center point and the second fluid output opening center point are aligned along the third dimension, but offset along the second dimension. 
     In certain embodiments, the third fluid output opening center point and the fourth fluid output opening center point are aligned along the third dimension, but offset along the second dimension. 
     In certain embodiments, the third fluid output opening center point and the fourth fluid output opening center point are positioned intermediate the first fluid output opening center point and the second fluid output opening center point along the second dimension. 
     In certain embodiments, the first valve may comprise a first valve longitudinal axis, the second valve may comprise a second valve longitudinal axis, the third valve may comprise a third valve longitudinal axis, and the fourth valve may comprise a fourth valve longitudinal axis. 
     In certain embodiments, the third valve longitudinal axis may extend outwardly away from the third fluid communication pathway and may be substantially parallel with the second dimension, and the fourth valve longitudinal axis may extend outwardly away from the fourth fluid communication pathway and may be substantially parallel with the second dimension. 
     In certain embodiments, the first valve longitudinal axis may extend away from the first fluid communication pathway substantially toward the fourth fluid communication pathway, and the second valve longitudinal axis may extend from the second fluid communication pathway substantially toward the third fluid communication pathway. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Exemplary embodiments of the invention will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only exemplary embodiments and are, therefore, not to be considered limiting of the invention&#39;s scope, the exemplary embodiments of the invention will be described with additional specificity and detail through use of the accompanying drawings, in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of one embodiment of a hose tap timer. 
         FIG. 2  is a front view of the embodiment of the hose tap timer shown in  FIG. 1  with the support bracket omitted for simplicity. 
         FIG. 3  is a bottom view of the embodiment of the hose tap timer shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 4  is a front view of one embodiment of a manifold member of the hose tap timer of  FIG. 1  with the housing of the manifold member being omitted. 
         FIG. 5  is a bottom view of one embodiment of a manifold member of the hose tap timer of  FIG. 1  with the housing of the manifold member being omitted. 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of the manifold member of the hose tap timer of  FIG. 1 , including the housing of the manifold member. 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective, enlarged view of the region  7  in  FIG. 6 . 
         FIG. 8  is a front, enlarged view of the region shown in  FIG. 7 . 
         FIG. 9  is an elevated, rear perspective view of the control member of a hose tap timer shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 10  is a rear view of the control member of the hose tap timer shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIGS. 11A-E  comprise front perspective views of the region shown in  FIG. 8  illustrating various stages of interaction between contact prongs of the control member with an electronic contact panel of the manifold member. 
         FIG. 12  is a block diagram illustrating one embodiment of the hose tap timer. 
     
    
    
     In accordance with common practice, the various features illustrated in the drawings may not be drawn to scale. Accordingly, the dimensions of the various features may be arbitrarily expanded or reduced for clarity. In addition, some of the drawings may be simplified for clarity. Thus, the drawings may not depict all of the components of a given apparatus (e.g., device) or method. Finally, like reference numerals may be used to denote like features throughout the specification and figures. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Various aspects of the disclosure are described below. It should be apparent that the teachings herein may be embodied in a wide variety of forms and that any specific structure, function, or both being disclosed herein is merely representative. Based on the teachings herein, one skilled in the art should appreciate that an aspect disclosed herein may be implemented independently of any other aspects and that two or more of these aspects may be combined in various ways. For example, an apparatus may be implemented or a method may be practiced using any number of the aspects set forth herein. In addition, such an apparatus may be implemented or such a method may be practiced using other structure and/or functionality in addition to, or other than, one or more of the aspects set forth herein based on information known to one of skill in the art. 
     The word “exemplary” is used exclusively herein to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any embodiment described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments. While the various aspects of the embodiments are presented in drawings, the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale unless specifically indicated. 
     The phrases “an embodiment,” “in certain embodiments,” “an alternative embodiment” or “one embodiment” may refer to various configurations or embodiments of the disclosed apparatuses, systems or methods, in the singular or plural form, rather than referring to a single, particular embodiment. 
     Although multiple instances of various features and components may be shown in the figures, only a limited number of those features or components may be referenced with the lead line and reference numeral to avoid confusion stemming from an excessive number of lead lines and reference numerals. 
     As used in this application, the term “adjacent” signifies next to or near. 
       FIGS. 1 and 2  will be discussed concurrently.  FIG. 1  is a perspective view of one embodiment of a hose tap timer  100 , while  FIG. 2  is a front view of the hose tap timer  100 . In the discussion below related to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the referenced parts are illustrated and identified in either both or only one of  FIGS. 1 and 2 . The hose tap timer  100  may include a control member  110  and a manifold member  150 . The control member  110  may be selectively received into a dock  120  of the manifold member  150 . As illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the control member  110  is in a fully engaged position with respect to the manifold member  150 . 
     The control member  110  may include a display screen  114  and user controls  116 . The display screen  114  displays information related to the control member  110 , such as setting options, current settings, and/or the state of the control member  110 . The display screen  114  may comprise, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD), organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display, e-ink display, etc. The user controls  116  may comprise physical controls (e.g., physical buttons or dials, as illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 2 ), electronic controls (e.g., electronic buttons, electronic dials, electronic check boxes, electronic input boxes together with an electronic keyboard displayed on a touch or pen-based screen). The control member  110  may include electronic components that may be placed in electronic communication with valves disposed within the manifold member  150 . (Both the electronic components and valves will be discussed in connection with subsequent figures.) The electronic components may transmit open and close valve signals to one or more of the valves within the manifold member  150  in accordance with data stored within the control member  110 . 
     The manifold member  150  includes a fluid input coupling  154  and one or more fluid output couplings  156   a - d , such as a first fluid output coupling  156   a , a second fluid output coupling  156   b , a third fluid output coupling  156   c  and a fourth fluid output coupling  156   d . The fluid input coupling  154  may be connected to a source of pressurized fluid (e.g., water) through, for example, a hose tap or spigot. Hose taps or spigots are often located adjacent to or on the exterior of a home or business, although hose taps and spigots may be located elsewhere, such as adjacent to an agricultural area or a flower bed. As indicated above, the manifold member  150  may include a series of valves, each of which controls whether and to what extent pressurized fluid entering through the fluid input coupling  154  exits the manifold member  150  through one or more of the fluid output couplings  156   a - d.    
     The manifold member  150  may have a top side  102   a , a bottom side  102   b , a front side  102   c , a back side  102   d , a first lateral side  102   e  and a second lateral side  102   f . The dock  120  may be positioned on the front side  102   c  of the manifold member  150  within a V-shaped alcove  166 . 
     The dock  120  may comprise a recess  130  defined by one or more retaining extensions  118 . The recess  130  may receive the control member  110  with the one or more retaining extensions  118  of the manifold member  150  retaining the control member  110  within the dock  120  with the assistance, for example, of a gravitational force or a securing mechanism (not shown). 
     The manifold member  150  may further comprise a first dimension  106   a  (such as height), a second dimension  106   b  (such as width) and a third dimension  106   c  (such as depth). The first dimension  106   a , the second dimension  106   b  and the third dimension  106   c  may be mutually perpendicular, as illustrated in  FIG. 1  and as partially illustrated in  FIG. 2 . 
     The remote ends or openings of the fluid output couplings  156   a - d  may be disposed within a planar region  104 . The planar region  104  may extend along a portion of or a point on the first dimension  106   a  and may extend along the entirety of the second dimension  106   b  and the third dimension  106   c.    
     The hose tap timer  100  may further comprise a support bracket  132 . The support bracket  132  may be used together with a screw or nut and bolt (or other type of securing mechanism) to secure the hose tap timer  100  to a wall or other structure adjacent to a hose tap or spigot, to which the fluid input coupling  154  of the hose tap timer  100  may be secured. 
     The hose tap timer  100  illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 2  is merely exemplary. For example, the particular shape of the manifold member  150  and the control member  110  may be varied within the scope of the disclosed subject matter. As an additional example, the V-shaped alcove  166  may have a generally U-shaped configuration or another type of curvilinear or linear shape. Also, the number and positioning, for example, of the display screen  114 , user controls  116 , fluid output couplings  156   a - d  and retaining extensions  118  may be varied within the scope of the disclosed subject matter. Also, the fluid input coupling  154  and one or more of the fluid output couplings  156   a - d  illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 2  may employ a threaded type coupling mechanism. Alternatively, for example, one or more of these couplings  154 ,  156   a - d  may comprise a quick-connect fitting, a cam-and-groove fitting or other type of fitting. 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , both the control member  110  and the manifold member  150  may comprise a housing  112 ,  152 . Both the housing  112  for the control member  110  and the housing  152  for the manifold member  150  shield and protect internal components of the control member  110  and the manifold member  150 . It should also be noted that the housings  112 ,  152  may each be formed of a plurality of different subcomponents. 
       FIG. 3  is a bottom view of the embodiment of the hose tap timer  100  shown in  FIG. 1 . As illustrated in  FIG. 3 , the hose tap timer  100  includes a control member  110  and a manifold member  150 . The illustrated hose tap timer  100  includes the control member  110  having one or more user controls  116 . The manifold member  150 , as illustrated in the bottom view of  FIG. 3 , may include a V-shaped alcove  166 , in which the dock  120  is situated. 
     As indicated previously, the manifold member  150  may include a bottom side  102   b , a top side  102   a  (illustrated in  FIG. 1 ), a front side  102   c , a back side  102   d , a first lateral side  102   e , and a second lateral side  102   f . The bottom side  102   b  is intermediate a front side  102   c  and a back side  102   d  along the third dimension  106   c  and is also intermediate a first lateral side  102   e  and a second lateral side  102   f  along the second dimension  106   b.    
     In the illustrated embodiment, the first fluid output coupling  156   a , second fluid output coupling  156   b , third fluid output coupling  156   c  and fourth fluid output coupling  156   d  are positioned on the bottom side  102   b  of the manifold member  150 . Each of the output couplings  156   a - d  comprise an output opening  158   a - d . Each of the output openings  158   a - d  is positioned within the planar region  104  with respect to the first dimension  106   a  (the planar region  104  and first dimension  106   a  are illustrated in  FIG. 2 , but are not shown in  FIG. 3 ). Each of the output openings  158   a - d  comprise a fluid output opening center  160   a - d , which is positioned in the center of each of the output openings  158   a - d  in the planar region  104 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 3 , the fluid output opening centers  160   a - d  are arranged in a trapezoidal configuration  108  (i.e., using each of the fluid output opening centers  160   a - d  as a corner of a trapezoid), which configuration  108  is illustrated by the broken lines identified by reference numeral  108 . As specifically illustrated in  FIG. 3 , the trapezoidal configuration  108  may comprise an isosceles trapezoidal configuration  108 . 
     The first fluid output opening center  160   a  and the second fluid output opening center  160   b  are aligned along the third dimension  106   c , but are offset with respect to each other along the second dimension  106   b . Likewise, the third fluid output opening center  160   c  and the fourth fluid output opening center  160   d  are aligned along the third dimension  106   c , but are offset with respect to each other along the second dimension  106   b . It should also be noted that the third fluid output opening center  160   c  and the fourth fluid output opening center  160   d  are disposed intermediate the first fluid output opening center  160   a  and the second fluid output opening center  160   b  along the second dimension  106   b . Further, the third fluid output opening center  160   c  and the fourth fluid output opening center  160   d  are disposed intermediate the back side  102   d  and the first fluid output opening center  160   a  and the second fluid output opening center  160   b  along the third dimension  106   c . In contrast, the first fluid output opening center  160   a  and the second fluid output opening center  160   b  are disposed intermediate the front side  102   c  and the third fluid output opening center  160   c  and the fourth fluid output opening center  160   d  along the third dimension  106   c.    
     It should also be noted that  FIG. 3  provides a bottom view of one embodiment of a support bracket  132 . As illustrated in  FIG. 3 , the manifold member  150  may comprise a housing  152 . The housing  152  may comprise a support bracket holder  133 . The support bracket holder  133  receives the support bracket  132  and may maintain the support bracket  132  in a desired orientation with respect to the manifold member  150  via friction engagement between the support bracket  132  and the support bracket holder  133 . 
     The embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 3  is only exemplary. For example, the trapezoidal configuration  108  is entirely aligned along the first dimension  106   a . In an alternative embodiment, one or more of the fluid output opening centers  160   a - d  may not be aligned with the others along the first dimension  106   a  and, yet, still maintain a trapezoidal configuration  108  (i.e., using each of the fluid output opening centers  160   a - d  as a corner for a trapezoid). 
       FIG. 4  is a front view of one embodiment of a manifold member  150  of the hose tap timer  100  of  FIG. 1  with the housing  152  of the manifold member  150  (shown in  FIG. 3 ) being omitted.  FIG. 4  illustrates four fluid flow pathways  176   a - d , each of which is shown in a different broken line pattern. Each of the fluid flow pathways  176   a - d  extends from the fluid input coupling  154  to one of the fluid output couplings  156   a - d  along the first dimension  106   a  and a portion of the second dimension  106   b  and the third dimension  106   c  (shown, for example in  FIG. 1 ). 
     A first valve  172   a  is coupled to the first fluid flow pathway  176   a  and controls the flow of a fluid from the fluid input coupling  154  to the first fluid output coupling  156   a ; a second valve  172   b  is coupled to the second fluid flow pathway  176   b  and controls the flow of a fluid from the fluid input coupling  154  to the second fluid output coupling  156   b ; a third valve  172   c  is coupled to the third fluid flow pathway  176   c  and controls the flow of a fluid from the fluid input coupling  154  to the third fluid output coupling  156   c ; and a fourth valve  172   d  is coupled to the fourth fluid flow pathway  176   d  and controls the flow of a fluid from the fluid input coupling  154  to the fourth fluid output coupling  156   d . (Only a small portion of the third valve  172   c  and fourth valve  172   d  are visible in  FIG. 4 , as the majority of these valves  172   c - d  are obscured by the first and second valves  172   a - b .) 
     An adjacent portion  178   a - d  of each of the fluid flow pathways  176   a - d  is adjacent to each valve  172   a - d . The adjacent portion  178   a - d  of each pathway  176   a - d  may comprise the portion of the pertinent pathway  176   a - d  from the most downstream portion  184   b  of the pertinent valve  172   a - d  to the most upstream portion  184   c  of the pertinent valve  172   a - d  along the first dimension  106   a.    
     As illustrated in  FIG. 4 , the fluid output couplings  156   c - d  extend along the first dimension  106   a  until the planar region  104 . Further, as can be seen from this figure, each of the fluid output couplings  156   a - d  are offset from one another along the second dimension  106   b.    
     It should be appreciated that the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 4  is merely exemplary and variations come within the scope of the disclosed subject matter. For example, fluid output couplings  156   a - d  may be offset from each other along the first dimension  106   a , rather than being aligned with respect to the first dimension  106   a , as illustrated in  FIG. 3 . Accordingly, the planar region  104  may be disposed at an angle, for example, with respect to the third dimension  106   c . In addition, the planar region  104  (in which the fluid output opening centers  160   a - d  are positioned) may have volume (as opposed to being a flat plane) and may be, for example, rectangular in shape. 
       FIG. 5  is a bottom view of one embodiment of a manifold member  150  of the hose tap timer  100  of  FIG. 1  with the housing  152  of the manifold member  150  being omitted.  FIG. 5  provides a better view of the four valves  172   a - d . Each of the four valves  172   a - d  includes a longitudinal axis  174   a - d . More specifically, the first valve  172   a  includes a first valve longitudinal axis  174   a ; the second valve  172   b  includes a second valve longitudinal axis  174   b ; the third valve  172   c  includes a third valve longitudinal axis  174   c ; and the fourth valve  172   d  includes a fourth valve longitudinal axis  174   d.    
     The first valve longitudinal axis  174   a  extends from the point where the first valve  172   a  intersects the first fluid flow pathway  176   a  towards the fourth fluid flow pathway  176   d  (more specifically, towards the adjacent portion  178   d  of the fourth fluid flow pathway  176   d , which is illustrated in  FIG. 4 ). For example, the first valve longitudinal axis  174   a  may be disposed at an inward angle  168  of approximately 55° (i.e., within 5° of 55°) with respect to the third dimension  106   c . Alternatively, the first valve longitudinal axis  174   a  may extend substantially toward the adjacent portion  178   d  of the fourth fluid flow pathway  176   d  (that is, within 30° of pointing directly toward the fourth fluid flow pathway  176   d ). 
     The second valve longitudinal axis  174   b  extends from the point where the second valve  172   b  intersects the second fluid flow pathway  176   b  towards the third fluid flow pathway  176   c  (more specifically, towards the adjacent portion  178   c  of the third fluid flow pathway  176   c , which is illustrated in  FIG. 4 ). For example, the second valve longitudinal axis  174   b  may be disposed dimension  106   c . Alternatively, the second valve longitudinal axis  174   b  may extend substantially toward the third fluid flow pathway  176   c  (that is, within 30° of pointing directly toward the adjacent portion  178   c  of the third fluid flow pathway  176   c ). 
     The third valve longitudinal axis  174   c  extends outwardly away from the third fluid flow pathway  176   c  and is generally parallel with the second dimension  106   b . The fourth valve longitudinal axis  174   d  extends outwardly away from the fourth fluid flow pathway  176   d  and is generally parallel with the second dimension  106   b.    
     As indicated above and as illustrated in  FIG. 5 , each of the fluid output couplings  156   a - d  may include an output opening  164   a - d  having a center point  162   a - d.    
       FIG. 6  is a perspective view of the manifold member  150  of  FIG. 1 , including the housing  152  of the manifold member  150 . The front side  102   c  comprises a V-shaped alcove  166 . The dock  120  is positioned within the V-shaped alcove  166 . The dock  120  comprises a step  136  and an electronic contact panel  140  positioned on the step  136 . As indicated previously, the dock  120  further comprises one or more retaining extensions  118  that define a recess  130  shaped to receive the control member  110 . (The control member  110  is shown in prior figures.) 
       FIG. 7  is a perspective, enlarged view of the region  7  of  FIG. 6 , while  FIG. 8  is a front, enlarged view of region  7 .  FIGS. 7 and 8  will be discussed simultaneously below. The parts and reference numerals included in this discussion are shown in either one or both of  FIGS. 7 and 8 . As indicated previously, the electronic contact panel  140  is disposed on a step  136 . The electronic contact panel  140  may comprise a first electronic contact strip  142   a , a second electronic contact strip  142   b , a third electronic contact strip  142   c , a fourth electronic contact strip  142   d , a fifth electronic contact strip  142   e  and an intermittent electronic contact pathway  144 . 
     The electronic contact panel  140  may comprise a first dimension  107   a  (e.g. height), a second dimension  107   b  (e.g., width) and a third dimension  107   c  (e.g., depth). The first dimension  107   a , second dimension  107   b , and third dimension  107   c  are mutually perpendicular. The third dimension  107   c  is represented by a dot inside the circle on  FIG. 8 . The third dimension  107   c  is perpendicular to a plane defined by the first dimension  107   a  and the second dimension  107   b.    
     Each of the electronic contact strips  142   a - e  may each comprise a perpendicular region  145   a - e . Each perpendicular region  145   a - e  extends away from a remainder of each electronic contact strip  142   a - e  along the third dimension  107   c.    
     The intermittent electronic contact pathway  144  may comprise a first noncontact region  148   a , a second noncontact region  148   c  and an electronic contact region  148   b  disposed between the first noncontact region  148   a  and the second noncontact region  148   c . The electronic contact region  148   b  is in electrical communication with one or more of the valves  172   a - d  within the manifold member  150 , while the first noncontact region  148   a  and the second noncontact region  148   c  are either formed of non-conductive material (e.g., a polymer) or are otherwise not in electrical communication with any of the valves  172   a - d . The electronic contact strips  142   a - e  are in electronic communication with various components within the manifold member  150 . These components will be discussed subsequently. 
     The electronic contact panel  140  may comprise two ends  141 ,  149  and three intervening regions  143   a ,  143   b ,  143   c  distributed along the first dimension  107   a  and extending along the entirety of the second dimension  107   b . In particular, an entry end  141  and a fully engaged end  149  are disposed at opposite ends of the electronic contact panel  140  along the first dimension  107   a . An entry region  143   a  is positioned adjacent to the entry end  141  and is disposed intermediate the entry end  141  and an intermediate region  143   b  along the first dimension  107   a . A fully engaged region  143   c  is disposed between the intermediate region  143   b  and the fully engaged end  149  along the first dimension  107   a . The entry region  143   a  is aligned with and the same size as the first noncontact region  148   a  of the intermittent electronic contact pathway  144  along the first dimension  107   a . The intermediate region  143   b  is aligned with and the same size as the electronic contact region  148   b  of the intermittent electronic contact pathway  144  along the first dimension  107   a . The fully engaged region  143   c  is aligned with and the same size as the second noncontact region  148   c  of the intermittent electronic contact pathway  144  along the first dimension  107   a . The purpose of each one of these regions  148   a - e  will be explained further below. 
       FIG. 9  is an elevated, rear perspective view of the control member  110  of the hose tap timer  100  shown in  FIG. 1 , while  FIG. 10  is a rear view of the control member  110 .  FIGS. 9 and 10  will be discussed simultaneously below. Parts and reference numerals included in this discussion will be shown in either one or both of  FIGS. 9 and 10 . 
     The control member  110  includes a top side  103   a , a bottom side  103   b , a front side  103   c , a back side  103   d , a first lateral side  103   e  and a second lateral side  103   f . The control member  110  includes a first dimension  109   a  (e.g., height), a second dimension  109   b  (e.g., the width) and a third dimension  109   c  (e.g., depth). The first dimension  109   a  is perpendicular to the second dimension  109   b . The third dimension  109   c  is perpendicular to both the first dimension  109   a  and the second dimension  109   b . The third dimension  109   c  is represented by a dot within a circle to indicate that the third dimension  109   c  is perpendicular to a plane defined by the first dimension  109   a  and the second dimension  109   b , shown in  FIG. 10 . 
     A set of contact prongs  180  are disposed on the back side  103   d . Each one of the contact prongs  180  are in electronic communication with one or more components within the control member  110 . These components will be discussed in connection with  FIG. 12 . 
     The set of contact prongs  180  comprises a first contact prong  182   a , a second contact prong  182   b , a third contact prong  182   c , a fourth contact prong  182   d , a fifth contact prong  182   e , a sixth contact prong  182   f  and a seventh contact prong  182   g . The first through the sixth contact prongs  182   a - f  are aligned along the first dimension  109   a  and are offset along the second dimension  109   b . The sixth contact prong  182   f  and the seventh contact prong  182   g  are aligned along the second dimension  109   b  and are offset along the first dimension  109   a . All of the contact prongs  182   a - g  are aligned along the third dimension  109   c . Each of the contact prongs  182   a - g  may be spring-loaded to provide contact with the electronic contact panel  140 , as will be explained below. 
       FIGS. 11A-E  comprise front perspective views of region  7  shown in  FIG. 6  with each of these figures illustrating various stages of interaction between the contact prongs  182   a - g  of the control member  110  with an electronic contact panel  140  of the manifold member  150  during the docking or undocking process. In  FIGS. 11A-E , a mirror image of the contact prongs  182   a - g  is shown in broken lines to better illustrate this interaction. For consistency and simplicity, reference numerals mentioned in any of  FIGS. 11A-E  are included in each of these figures. 
       FIG. 11A  illustrates the position of the contact prongs  182   a - g  with respect to the electronic contact panel  140  when the control member  110  is in a fully engaged position with respect to the manifold member  150 . In this position, the first through the sixth contact prongs  182   a - f  are positioned within the fully engaged region  143   c . Accordingly, the first through the fifth contact prongs  182   a - e  contact the first through the fifth electronic contact strips  142   a - e , respectively, within the fully engaged region  143   c . The sixth contact prong  182   f  contacts the second noncontact region  148   c  of the intermittent electronic contact pathway  144 , which is within the fully engaged region  143   c . The seventh contact prong  182   g  contacts the electronic contact region  148   b , which is within the intermediate region  143   b.    
       FIG. 11B  illustrates the position of the contact prongs  182   a - g  with respect to the electronic contact panel  140  when the control member  110  is in an intermediate engaging position with respect to the manifold member  150 . In this position, all of the contact prongs  182   a - g  are within the intermediate region  143   b . Accordingly, the first through the fifth contact prongs  182   a - e  contact the first through the fifth electronic contact strips  142   a - e , respectively, within the intermediate region  143   b . Furthermore, both the sixth and the seventh contact prongs  182   f - g  contact the electronic contact region  148   b  of the intermittent electronic contact pathway  144  and are thus within the intermediate region  143   b . The positioning of both the sixth and the seventh contact prongs  182   f - g  in contact with the electronic contact region  148   b  may signify that the control member  110  is being withdrawn from the manifold member  150 . In one embodiment, the contact of both the sixth and the seventh contact prongs  182   f - g  with the electronic contact region  148   b  may complete an electronic circuit to enable the circuitry within the control member  110  to detect that the intermediate position has been reached. 
     As a result of detection of the contact of both the sixth and the seventh contact prongs  182   f - g  with the electronic contact region  148   b , a close valve signal may be sent through one or more of the first through fifth contact prongs  182   a - e  to close all of the valves  172   a - d  or any valves  172   a - d  that may be in an open state. The close valve signal must be sent rapidly before the first through the fifth contact prongs  182   a - e  lose contact with the first through the fifth electronic contact strips  142   a - e . In one embodiment, for example, the close valve signal must be sent within 200 ms, which includes a 50 ms pulse duration and a cushion of 150 ms before contact is lost between the contact prongs  182   a - e  and the electronic contact strips  142   a - e . This procedure is designed to prevent the valves  172   a - d  from being left in an open state when the control member  110  is withdrawn from the manifold member  150 . 
       FIGS. 11C-D  illustrate the position of the contact prongs  182   f - g  of the control member  110  with respect to the electronic contact panel  140  of the manifold member  150  in two different entry engaging positions. In  FIG. 11C , each of the first through the sixth contact prongs  182   a - f  are still positioned within the intermediate region  143   b . Accordingly, the first through the fifth contact prongs  182   a - e  contact the first through the fifth electronic contact strips  142   a - e , respectively, within the intermediate region  143   b . This contact enables transmission, or continued transmission, of the close valve signals through the contact prongs  182   a - e . However, the seventh contact prong  182   g  is positioned within the entry region  143   a  and accordingly, is in contact with the first noncontact region  148   a  and is no longer in contact with the electronic contact region  148   b . Accordingly, when either the sixth or the seventh contact prongs  182   f - g  are positioned within the first noncontact region  148   a , the control member  110  is within an entry engaging position. 
       FIG. 11D , as indicated above, also illustrates the control member  110  in an entry position with respect to the manifold member  150 . In  FIG. 11D , all of the contact prongs  182   a - g  are positioned within the entry region  143   a . In this state, of course, the sixth and seventh contact prongs  182   f - g  contact the first noncontact region  148   a  and thus no longer contact the electronic contact region  148   b . Once again, the first through the fifth contact prongs  182   a - e  contact the first through the fifth electronic contact strips  142   a - e , respectively, within the intermediate region  143   b . This contact enables transmission, or continued transmission, of the close valve signals through the contact prongs  182   a - e.    
       FIG. 11E  illustrates a disengaged position, in which none of the contact prongs  182   a - g  are in contact with the electronic contact panel  140 . Of course, no wired electronic communication can occur between the control member  110  and the manifold member  150  in this position. 
       FIG. 12  is a block diagram illustrating one embodiment of the hose tap timer  100 . In  FIG. 12 , a mirror image of the contact prongs  182   a - g  is shown in broken lines to better represent the interaction between the contact prongs  182   a - g  and the electronic contact panel  140 . The broken lines between the contact prongs  182   a - g  and the first through fifth electronic contact strips  142   a - e  and the electronic contact region  148   b  of the intermittent electronic contact pathway  144  illustrate potential contact, which enables the transmission of electronic signals between the contact prongs  182   a - g  and the electronic contact strips  142   a - e  and the electronic contact region  148   b.    
     As illustrated, the control member  110  may include a processor  206 . The processor  206  may comprise, for example, a central processing unit (CPU) or microcontroller (MCU) or other circuitry that can receive and process binary or other commands and temporarily store data. Working in connection with the memory component  208 , the processor  206  may execute steps to be performed by the control member  110 . The processor  206  may be, directly or indirectly, in electronic communication with a display component  202 , a user controls component  204 , a memory component  208 , and a signal circuitry component  212 . In one embodiment, a communication bus  205  enables communication between each of the electronic components  202 ,  204 ,  206 ,  208 ,  212  in the control member  110 . 
     The processor  206  may transmit signals to the display component  202  to display, for example, available user options and/or the status of the control member  110  on the display screen  114 . The display component  202  may further comprise electronic circuitry that processes signals received from the processor  206  to enable proper display of information on the display screen  114 . 
     The user controls component  204  may comprise user controls  116 , including both physical and electronic user controls (such as a touch screen), and circuitry necessary to convert received touch input from the user controls  116  into electronic signals that may be received and processed by the processor  206 . 
     The memory component  208  may comprise volatile or non-volatile memory, such as flash memory, a hard disk drive, and/or random access memory (RAM). Accordingly, the memory component  208  may store volatile and/or non-volatile data. 
     Control data  210  may be stored within the memory component  208 . The control data  210  dictates when open valve signals  226  and close valve signals  228  are sent to the valves  172   a - d . Also, in certain embodiments, intermediate state valve signals  230  may be generated and transmitted. An intermediate state valve signal  230  places a particular valve  172   a - d  in a partially open state. In one embodiment, the valves  172   a - d  may comprise “latching” valves  172   a - d . In such an instance, an open valve signal  226  or a close valve signal  228  is sent only for a brief period of time to transition the state of the valve  172   a - d  (e.g., the open valve signal  226  does not need to be maintained in order to keep the valve  172   a - d  in an open state). 
     The signal circuitry component  212  may send and receive electronic signals via the contact prongs  182   a - g . Accordingly, the signal circuitry component  212  may process signals from the processor  206  and convert those into signals that may be sent via the contact prongs  182   a - g . The signal circuitry component  212  may be in communication with each of the prongs  182   a - g  through a series of signal lines  214   a - g . The signal circuitry component  212  may include, for example, TRIACs (three-electrode semiconductor devices that will conduct in either direction) that may be utilized to generate, for example, an open valve signal  226 , a close valve signal  228  or an intermediate state valve signal  230 . In one embodiment, the open valve signal  226  and the close valve signal  228  are identical electronically and merely transition the valve to a next state (e.g., from a closed state to an open state or vice versa). 
     The signal circuitry component  212 , working in conjunction with the processor  206  and the control data  210 , may, for example, determine when a circuit is closed between the sixth and the seventh contact prongs  182   g - f  (e.g., when the sixth and seventh contact prongs  182   g - f  simultaneously contact the electronic contact region  148   b ). After such a determination is made, working with the processor  206  and the control data  210 , the signal circuitry component  212  may cause a close valve signal  228  to be sent via one or more of the first through the fourth contact prongs  182   a - b . This procedure, as indicated previously, is intended to cause the valves  172   a - d  to close before withdrawal of the control member  110  from the manifold member  150 . In addition, this same procedure may operate to close all valves  172   a - d  when the control member  110  is inserted into the manifold member  150  because during the course of inserting the control member  110  into the manifold member  150 , the sixth and seventh contact prongs  182   g - f  simultaneously contact the electronic contact region  148   b.    
     The manifold member  150  may comprise an electronic contact panel  140  in electronic communication with a number of valves  172   a - d . The fluid input coupling  154  is in fluid communication with a first fluid output coupling  156   a , a second fluid output coupling  156   b , a third fluid output coupling  156   c  and a fourth fluid output coupling  156   d.    
     As indicated previously, the electronic contact panel  140  may comprise five electronic contact strips  142   a - e  and an intermittent electronic contact pathway  144 . The intermittent electronic contact pathway  144  may comprise a first noncontact region  148   a , an electronic contact region  148   b  and a second noncontact region  148   c . The electronic contact strips  142   a - e  and the intermittent electronic contact pathway  144  may comprise an entry end  141  and a fully engaged end  149 . As indicated previously, the electronic contact strips  142   a - e  and the intermittent electronic contact pathway  144  may be divided into an entry region  143   a , an intermediate region  143   b  and a fully engaged region  143   c.    
     The first electronic contact strip  142   a  is in electronic communication with the first valve  172   a  via a first valve control line  224   a . In addition, the fifth electronic contact strip  142   e  is in electronic communication with the first valve  172   a  via a ground line  216 . Thus, the first valve control line  224   a  and the ground line  216  enable a circuit to be completed with the first valve  172 . 
     The second electronic contact strip  142   b  is in electronic communication with the second valve  172   b  via a second valve control line  224   b . In addition, the fifth electronic contact strip  142   e  is in electronic communication with the second valve  172   b  via a ground line  216 . Thus, the second valve control line  224   b  and the ground line  216  enable a circuit to be completed with the second valve  172   b.    
     The third electronic contact strip  142   c  is in electronic communication with the third valve  172   c  via a third valve control line  224   c . In addition, the fifth electronic contact strip  142   e  is in electronic communication with the third valve  172   c  via a ground line  216 . Thus, the third valve control line  224   c  and the ground line  216  enable a circuit to be completed with the third valve  172   c.    
     The fourth electronic contact strip  142   d  is in electronic communication with the fourth valve  172   d  via a fourth valve control line  224   d . In addition, the fifth electronic contact strip  142   e  is in electronic communication with the fourth valve  172   d  via a ground line  216 . Thus, the fourth valve control line  224   d  and the ground line  216  enable a circuit to be completed with the fourth valve  172   d.    
     When the control member  110  is in the fully engaged position with respect to the manifold member  150 , electronic signals  226 ,  228 ,  230  generated by the signal circuitry component  212  may be transmitted to one or more of the valves  172   a - d . For example, the signal circuitry component  212  may transmit an open valve signal  226  through the first signal line  214   a , the first contact prong  182   a , the first electronic contact strip  142   a , and the first valve control line  224   a  to the first valve  172   a , causing the first valve  172   a  to transition to an open state, allowing pressurized fluid from the fluid input coupling  154  to pass through the first valve  172   a  and exit the manifold member  150  via the first fluid output coupling  156   a.    
     In this condition, if the user decides to withdraw the controller member  110  from the manifold member  150 , the sixth and seventh prongs  182   f - g  will enter the intermediate region  143   b  and simultaneously contact the electronic contact region  148   b . In response to this simultaneous contact (e.g., a circuit is closed), the signal circuitry component  212  will cause a close valve signal  228  to be transmitted through the first signal line  214   a , the first contact prong  182   a , the first electronic contact strip  142   a , and the first valve control line  224   a  to the first valve  172   a , causing the first valve  172   a  to transition to a closed state. This action will prevent pressurized fluid within the manifold member  150  from passing through the first valve  172   a . Again, the close valve signal  228  must be transmitted rapidly before contact between the first contact prong  182   a  and the first electronic contact strip  142   a  has been terminated by withdrawal of the control member  110  from the manifold member  150 . 
     In one embodiment, only one of the valves  172   a - d  may be open at a single time. In an alternative embodiment, one or more valves  172   a - d  may be open simultaneously. In either case, the close valve signal  228  may be sent to all of the open valves  172   a - d , or all of the valves  172   a - d  (irrespective of whether a particular valve  172   a - d  is in an open state), when simultaneous contact of the sixth and seventh prongs  182   f - g  with the electronic contact region  148   b  is detected. 
     It should be noted that the foregoing information is merely illustrative. For example, the disclosed subject matter may include more or less than four valves  172   a - d . Accordingly, the corresponding number of electronic contact strips  142   a - e  may be varied as well. Furthermore, the shape and configuration of the intermittent electronic contact pathway  144  may be varied as well. For example, the sixth and seventh contact prongs  182   f - g  may be offset along the second dimension  107   b  (shown in  FIG. 8 ) and aligned along the first dimension  107   a  (shown in  FIG. 8 ). In such an embodiment, the intermittent electronic contact pathway  144  may be wider than depicted in the figures to enable simultaneous contact and accommodate the sixth and seventh contact prongs  182   f - g.    
     It is understood that any specific order or hierarchy of steps in any disclosed process is an example of a sample approach. Based upon design preferences, it is understood that the specific order or hierarchy of steps in the processes may be rearranged while remaining within the scope of the present disclosure. The accompanying method claims present elements of the various steps in a sample order, and are not meant to be limited to the specific order or hierarchy presented. 
     The previous description of the disclosed aspects is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make or use the present disclosure. Various modifications to these aspects will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to all other aspects without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Thus, the present disclosure is not intended to be limited to the aspects shown herein but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed.