Sprinkler flow control systems

• US RE31,204 E
• Filed: 03/28/1979
• Issued: 04/12/1983
• Est. Priority Date: 05/18/1965
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: George E. Sanner
• Original Assignee: George E. Sanner
• Inventors: Sanner, George E.
• Primary Examiner(s): CHAMBERS, A MICHAEL
• Application Number:
  US06/024,685
• Time in Patent Office: 1,476 Days
• Field of Search: 137/78 R, 137/78 A, 137/78 C, 137/78 D, 137/356, 137/377, 137/382, 137/624.11, 137/624.12, 137/624.13, 137/624.15, 137/624.16, 137/624.17, 248/219.2, 251/367, 239/63-67, 239/70, 200/61.04, 200/61.05, 307/118, 340/602, 220/324, 220/326
• US Class Current: 137/78.3
• CPC Class Codes: A01G 25/16 Control of watering
• CPC Class Codes: B01D 53/26 Drying gases or vapours
• CPC Class Codes: G01F 23/241 for discrete levels
• CPC Class Codes: G05D 9/12 characterised by the use of electric means
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 9/04 Dustproof, splashproof, drip-proof, waterproof, or flameproof casings
• CPC Class Codes: H02G 3/14 Fastening of cover or lid to box
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 137/189 Soil moisture sensing
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 137/6966 Static constructional installations
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 137/7043 Guards and shields
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 137/86421 Variable
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 307/779 Fluid pressure, density, level, velocity or humidity

Abstract

Fluid flow control systems for lawn sprinkling flow control systems which include rain override means and continuously available rain alarm signals during rainfall. Provisions are provided to prevent valve flutter during light or intermittent rainfall by means of conventional time delay relays. A novel, simple, and economic hermetically sealed outdoor casing is provided. Use of unique remote transformer plug and cord insures consumer product safety compliance against electrical shock hazzard.

Claims

1. [. The flow control of claim 23 wherein the said flow control casing is attached to one extremity of a vertical, cylindrical stanchion by means of a cylindrical cap;

exterior flat circular surface of said cap centrally abutts, and is attached to, the exterior surface of the said bottom cover;

a center hole extends from said bottom cover interior surface to the interior surface of said cap;

a hermetically sealed bushing is placed in said hole;

cylindrical wall interior surface of said cap is telescoped over exterior surface at one extremity of said vertical stanchion, thereby, providing means for supporting said flow control casings; and

said multiple-conductor cable enters said flow control casing through said sealed bushing, and through a slotted opening at one extremity of said stanchion, said opening abutting peripheral extremity of said cap..]. .[.25. The flow control of claim 24 wherein a diametric hole extends continuously through the telescoped together contiguous walls of the said cap and the said vertical cylindrical stanchion extremity;

extended through said diametric hole, a section of solid cylindrical rod having a circular flanged head at one extremity thereof, and a hole located diametrically through the said rod at the opposite extremity thereof; and

a pad-lock shackle passed through the said diametric hole of the said rod, thereby locking said rod in place and preventing theft of the said flow control..]. .[.26. The flow control of claim 24 in combination with a time delay relay disposed in the interior of said flow control casing, comprising;

said time delay relay having an actuator and a single movable pole, double contact, switch comprising a first and second contact;

said timer switch, said valve actuator, said mode switch first contact and said step-down transformer secondary, all connected in series with said relay first contact;

when said timer switch, said mode switch first contact and said relay first contact are closed said valve actuator is energized and said valve is opened;

said relay first contact opens, and said relay second contact closes, at the end of a given first predetermined time interval or delay, afer said relay actuator is energized, thereby, providing a said first predetermined time delay between said relay actuator energization and said valve actuator de-energization; and

said relay first contact closes, and said relay second contact opens immediately upon de-energization of said relay actuator, thereby, causing immediate de-energizing of the said valve actuator when said relay actuator is de-energized..]. .[.27. The flow control of claim 26 wherein the length of the said first predetermined time interval is adjustable..]. .[.28. The flow control of claim 27 wherein the said relay actuator, relay actuator conductor means and the said step-down transformer secondary are all connected in series with a planimetric rain switch, comprising;

an insulating member having a surface which is adapted to be oriented to receive rain, thereon, and first and second spaced apart conductor means on said surface connected to said relay actuator conductor means, which are adapted to be electrically connectedd by precipitation on said insulating surface and, thereby, complete the continuity of the said relay actuator and said transformer secondary circuit, causing the said relay actuator to be energized, said relay first contact to open, said valve actuator to be de-energized, and said valve to close;

upon cessation of said precipitation, said spaced apart conductor means continuity is interrupted causing said relay actuator to be de-energized, said relay first contact to close, said valve actuator to be energized, and said valve to open;

said planimetric rain switch disposed on the exterior surface of said frustoconical top cover flat surface angularly mounted in the interior of a section of right circular cylinder, one peripheral extremity of which abutts the peripheral extremity of a rigid wire screen disc, and the opposite peripheral extremity of said cylinder is supported parallel to, and spaced slightly apart from said top cover exterior surface, enabling precipitation to enter said cylinder interior through said screen, impinge upon said insulating surface of said planimetric rain switch, gravity flow from said insulating surface, and exit from between said last mentioned right circular cylinder peripheral extremity and said top cover exterior surface;

said spaced apart conductor means on said rain switch insulating surface connected to said relay actuator conductor means by means of a hermetically sealed rain switch cable extending from said spaced apart conductors through the said frustoconical cover flat surface by means of a hermetically sealed bushing that extends from the exterior surface to the interior surface of the said frustoconical cover; and

said rain switch cable extending radially along the interior surface of the said frustoconical cover and perpendicular to said hinge axis, extending through the said panel by means of a second said hermetically sealed bushing that extends from the exterior surface to the interior surface of the said panel..]. .[.29. The flow control of claim 28 wherein the said rain switch cable is formed into a coil comprising several turns;

peripheral plane of said coil is orthogonal to the axis of said rain switch cable and said coil is formed in a fully contracted position wherein each said turn is congruent with, and consecutively contiguous to the preceeding said turn;

said coil is located adjacent to, and perpendicular to, the said hinge axis at the juncture of said top cover and said panel, and axis of said coil is perpendicular to exterior surface of said panel;

when the peripheral extremity of the said top cover circumferentially abutts the said panel peripheral flange, said coil is in a fully contracted position;

when said top cover is rotated, with respect to said panel, to the said predetermined maximum limit, and coil is in a fully expanded position, providing a flexible expansion cable pivot between the said top cover and the said panel; and

protecting said rain switch cable from flexure breakage when said top cover is repeatedly opened and closed..]. .[.30. The flow control of claim 29 in combination with an audio-visual rain alarm remotely connected to said flow control by means of an alarm extension cable, said rain alarm housed in an alarm casing, comprising;

an electrically actuated audible buzzer, visual indicator light and a double pole, three position, rain alarm selector switch;

said relay second contact connected in series with a first conductor, at a first extremity of said alarm cable, and one terminal of said step-down transformer secondary coil;

a second conductor at said first extremity of said alarm cable connected to remaining terminal of said step-down transformer secondary, thereby providing said source of low operating voltage to said rain alarm when said time delay relay second contact is closed;

opposite extremity of said alarm cable terminated in said alarm casing with a first conductor from said opposite extremity connected to each pole terminal of said alarm switch, a second conductor from said opposite extremity of said alarm cable connected to one terminal of said buzzer coil and to one terminal of said visual indicator light, opposite terminals of said buzzer coil and said visual indicator light each connected to a terminal of one pair of said alarm switch terminals providing said switch continuity when said alarm switch is in a first position, said visual indicator light opposite terminal also connected to one terminal of a third pair of said alarm switch terminals providing said switch continuity when said alarm switch is in a third position, and a second pair of said alarm switch terminals are disconnected providing no said switch continuity when the said alarm switch is in a second position; and

thereby providing during rainfall, a simultaneous audible and visual alarm when said alarm switch is in said first position, no alarm when said alarm is in said second position, and a visual alarm when said selector switch is in said third position..]. .[.31. The flow control of claim 30 wherein the said time delay relay comprises;

time delay means causing said first contact to open and said second contact to close at the end of the said first given predetermined time interval after the said switch actuator is energized; and

said time delay means causing said first contact to close and said second contact to open at the end of a second given predetermined time interval after the said switch actuator is de-energized..]. .[.32. The flow control of claim 31 wherein the length of the said first predetermined time interval and the length of the said second predetermined time interval are adjustable..]. .[.33. A flow control for a flow control system, comprising;

a main casing member that is of right circular cylindrical configuration, a bottom cover fitted into and fixed to said casing member at one end thereof, a top cover affixed to and closing said casing member at the opposite end thereof, said bottom cover having a flat portion spanning said main casing member with a flange around the periphery on said bottom cover flat portion abutting that interior of said main casing member, and said top cover having a flat portion spanning said main casing member with a flange around the periphery of said top cover flat portion, peripheral extremity of said top cover flange in contiguous circumferential abuttment with the peripheral extremity of said main casing member;

inserted contiguously between the said top cover flange peripheral extremity and the said main casing member peripheral extremity, a continuous annular gasket, the said top cover flange peripheral extremity is sandwiched circumferentially into the upper annular face of the said gasket, and the opposite annular face of the said gasket is telescoped over the said main casing member peripheral extremity, thereby providing a hermetic seal between the exterior surface of said panel and the interior surface of said main casing member;

a fluid flow valve with an electrically operated actuator housed in said casing, said actuator being operable on voltage available at an electric power source located external of said casing;

a single electrical conductor means extending from the interior to the exterior of said casing for connecting said valve actuator to said external electrical power source;

manually manipulatable connection means disposed on the exterior side of said casing to which fluid supply and delivery means can be coupled; and

means providing fluid communication from said connection means through said casing means to the inlet and outlet of said fluid flow valve..].

2. [. 4. The flow control of claim 33 wherein the said fluid communication means comprise:

an inlet pipe fitting between said connection supply means and said valve inlet, and an outlet pipe fitting between said valve outlet and said connection delivery means;

said inlet pipe fitting and said outlet pipe fitting of conventional plumbing type with an annular shoulder flange at both inlet port and outlet port of each said fitting;

said outlet port, of said inlet fitting, attached to said valve inlet, and said inlet port of said inlet fitting attached to, and protruding through, said bottom cover;

said inlet port of said outlet fitting attached to said valve outlet, and said outlet port, of said outlet fitting, attached to, and protruding through, said bottom cover;

said inlet port shoulder flange of said inlet fitting, and said outlet port shoulder flange of said outlet fitting, partially removed by undercutting to provide for each said flange a cylindrical tube of reduced outside diameter with one extremity of each said cylindrical tube concentrically orthogonal to and abutting remaining portion of each said shoulder flange;

an annular hermetic seal placed concentrically over each said cylindrical tube, of said reduced outside diameter, and abutting circumferentially the annular face of the said remaining portion of the said shoulder flange on the said inlet port of said inlet fitting and on said outlet port of said outlet fitting;

said flow valve, said inlet fitting, said outlet fitting and said annular hermetic seals assembled on said bottom cover interior surface, each said cylindrical tube extending through a circular hole in said bottom cover, thereby, sandwiching said annular gasket between said annular faces of said remaining shoulder flanges and the said bottom cover;

each said cylindrical tube having an annular slot undercut on the outside surface of said tube adjacent to the said bottom cover exterior surface;

a spring tensioned, beveled, annular snap ring inserted into each said undercut slot and circumferentially gripping each said cylindrical tube;

each said beveled snap ring exerting force against said bottom cover exterior surface, thereby, compressing each said annular seal between each said undercut shoulder flange and said bottom cover interior surface, causing a hermetic seal between said bottom cover exterior surface and said bottom cover interior surface; and

causing said valve and said fluid communication means to be self supporting on said bottom cover..]. .[.35. The flow control of claim 34 wherein the said flow control casing is attached at one extremity of a vertical, cylindrical, stanchion by means of a cylindrical cap;

exterior flat circular surface of said cap centrally abutts and is attached to, the exterior surface of the said bottom cover;

a center hole extends from said bottom cover interior surface to the interior surface of said cap;

a hermetically sealed bushing is placed in said hole;

cylindrical wall interior surface of said cap is telescoped over exterior surface at one extremity of said vertical stanchion, thereby, providing means for supporting said flow control casing; and

said single conductor means enters said flow control casing through said sealed bushing, and through a slotted opening at one extremity of said stanchion, said opening abutting peripheral extremity of said cap..]. .[.36. The flow control of claim 35 in combination with a time delay relay disposed in the interior of said casing, comprising;

an electrically actuated single pole, single contact, switch with a relay switch actuator which, when energized, causes said contact to open and when de-energized causes said contact to close;

time delay means causing said contact to open at the end of a given predetermined time interval after the said relay actuator is energized;

means to close the said contact immediately following de-energization of the said relay actuator;

said contact connected in series with said valve actuator, said electrical conductor means, and said power source;

when said contact is open said valve actuator is interrupted causing said valve to close; and

when said contact is closed said valve actuator is energized by said electrical conductor means and said power source causing said valve to open..]. .[.37. The flow control of claim 36 wherein the said switch actuator, and said power source are all connected in series with a planimetric rain switch, comprising;

an insulating member having a surface which is adapted to be oriented to receive rain thereon, and first and second spaced apart conductor means, on said surface, connected in series with said power source and said relay actuator;

said spaced apart conductor means adapted to be electrically connected by precipitation on said insulating surface thereby completing the continuity of said relay actuator and said power source series circuit causing said relay actuator to be energized, opening said contact, deenergizing said valve actuator, and closing said valve;

upon cessation of said precipitation said spaced apart conductor means continuity is interrupted, causing said series circuit continuity to be interrupted, de-energizing said relay actuator, closing said contact, energizing said valve actuator, and opening said valve;

said planimetric rain switch disposed on the exterior surface of said top cover, angularly mounted in the interior of a section of right circular cylinder, one peripheral extremity of which abutts the peripheral extremity of a rigid wire screen disc and the opposite peripheral extremity of said cylinder is supported parallel to, and slightly apart from said top cover exterior surface enabling precipitation to enter said cylinder interior through said screen, impinge upon said insulating surface of said planimetric rain switch, gravity flow from said insulating surface, and exit from between last mentioned said right circular cylinder peripheral extremity and said top cover exterior surface; and

said spaced apart conductor means on said rain switch insulating surface connected into the said relay actuator, and said power source series circuit, by means of a hermetically sealed cable extending from said spaced apart conductors through the said top cover by means of a hermetically sealed bushing that extends from the exterior surface to the interior surface of the said top cover..]. .[.38. A flow control for a flow control system comprising;

a casing having a main frustoconical casing member the tapered peripheral extremity of which circumferentially abuts the peripheral extremity of a flat bottom cover thereby enclosing the bottom of said main frustoconical member, and the opposite peripheral extremity of said frustoconical member circumferentially abuts one peripheral extremity of a section of right circular cylinder and is contiguously attached thereto, a panel affixed to and closing said right circular cylinder section at the opposite end thereof, said panel having a flat portion spanning said frustoconical member with a flange around the periphery of said panel flat portion, peripheral extremity of said panel flange in contiguous circumferential abuttment with the peripheral extremity of said right circular cylinder;

inserted contiguously between the said panel flange peripheral extremity and the said main casing member peripheral extremity a continuous annular gasket, the said panel flange peripheral extremity is sandwiched circumferentially into the upper annular face of the said gasket, and the opposite annular face of the said gasket is telescoped over the said main casing member peripheral extremity thereby providing a heremetic seal between the exterior surface of said panel and the interior surface of the said main frustoconical casing member;

a top cover comprising a frustoconical portion and a cylindrical portion the peripheral extremity of which is telescoped over the exterior surface of the said panel peripheral flange and abutts circumferentially the said upper annular face of the said annular gasket thereby providing a heremetical seal between the exterior surface of the said top cover and the exterior surface of the said panel;

a fluid flow valve attached to exterior of said casing with an electrically operated actuator housed in said casing, said actuator being operable on voltage available at an electrical power source located externally of said casing;

valve operating means in said casing for energizing and de-energizing the valve actuator to open and close the valve thereby control the flow of fluid therethrough, said valve operating means comprising a timer having a switch and switch operating means for opening and closing said switch in an automatic repetative cycle;

a single electrical conductor means extending from the interior to the exterior of said casing for connecting said valve operating means to said external electrical power source;

conductors in said casing connecting said valve actuator to said conductor means in series with said switch and for connecting said conductor means to said switch operating means; and

manually manipulatable connection means disposed on the exterior side of said casing to which fluid supply and delivery means can be coupled..]. .[.39. The flow control unit of claim 38 in combination with a hinge connecting the said top cover to the said frustoconical main casing member wherein;

leaves of said hinge span the said annular gasket and the longitudinal pivot axis of the said hinge is located with respect to the said top cover and the said annular gasket to minimize the distance between peripheral extremity of said top cover and said upper annular face of said gasket when the said top cover is rotated to its maximum open position;

means for attaching said hinge to cylindrical surface of said main casing member and to cylindrical surface of said top cover wherein said hinge leaves are longitudinally arced while said hinge axis is longitudinally straight and parallel to axis of said hinge leaves; and

means to limit angular movement of said hinged top cover with respect to said main casing to a predetermined maximum limit by disposition of a mechanical limit on one leaf of said hinge, the extent of the angular rotation of the juxtapositional said hinge leaf being determined by the said mechanical limit..]. .[.40. The combination of claim 39 wherein the said hinge is spring loaded causing the said top cover peripheral extremity to abutt the said upper annular face of the said annular gasket providing a hermetic seal between the said exterior surface of the said top cover and the exterior surface of the said panel..]. .[.41. The combination of claim 40 wherein a draw pull catch is disposed on the exterior surface of the said frustoconical main casing at a point that is diametrically opposite the said hinge, a strike is disposed on the exterior surface of the said top cover;

the loop of the said draw pull catch spans the said annular gasket and engages the said strike;

causes the said top cover to hermetically seal to the said upper plane of the said annular gasket when said draw pull catch is actuated; and

means wherein said draw pull catch may be locked in a closed or in an open position..]. .[.42. The flow control of claim 41 wherein the said timer is disposed upon and supported by the said panel;

said timer means and said timer switch operating means disposed on the exterior surface of said panel being non-electrical;

said timer means, said time switch, and said timer operating means disposed on the interior surface of said panel, being electrical;

said timer operating means, disposed on the interior surface of said panel motivating the said timer disposed on the exterior surface of said panel, by means of a single rotating drive shaft that protrudes through a hermetically sealed bushing extending from said panel interior surface to said panel exterior surface; and

said timer switch operating means disposed on said panel exterior surface actuating said timer switch operating means and said timer switch, disposed on said panel interior surface, by means of an angularly oscillating drive shaft means protruding through a hermetically sealed bushing extending from said panel interior surface to said panel exterior surface..]. .[.43. The flow control of claim 42 in combination with a three position mode control switch disposed on the said panel;

in one position said mode control switch connects said valve actuator to said valve operating means causing the opening and closing of said valve to be controlled by said timer;

in a second position said mode control switch disconnects said valve actuator from said valve operating means thereby making said valve actuator inoperative;

in a third position said mode control switch overrides said valve operating means and connects said valve actuator directly to said single electrical conductor means, extending said external electrical power to said casing interior, thereby actuating said valve actuator; and

said mode control switch is disposed on said panel interior surface and is actuated by mechanical control means protruding through a hermetically sealed bushing extending from said panel interior surface to said panel exterior surface..]. .[.44. The flow control of claim 43 wherein the said valve actuator is housed in the interior of said frustoconical main casing member, said valve actuator axis disposed perpendicular to the interior surface of said bottom cover and the valve main housing is attached to the exterior surface of said bottom cover;

perpendicularly attached, permanently, and hermetically sealed to a main housing of said valve, is a cylindrical valve actuator stem;

said valve actuator stem comprising means for opening said valve when said valve actuator is energized, and means for closing said valve when said valve actuator is de-energized;

said valve actuator stem protruding perpendicularly from said bottom cover exterior surface into said frustoconical main casing interior, and said valve actuator comprising a concentric cylindrical electro magnetic coil, the cylindrical axial cavity of which is telescoped over said valve actuator stem;

a heremetic seal sandwiched contiguously between the exterior surface of said bottom cover and the exterior surface of said valve main housing, said valve actuator stem protruding through said seal and said bottom cover, said seal providing a hermetic seal between the exterior and interior of said main casing member; and

said manually manipulatable connection means, to which said fluid supply and delivery means can be coupled, are attached to the said valve main housing..]. .[.45. The flow control of claim 44 wherein said single electrical conductor means extends from the interior to the exterior of said flow control casing for connecting said valve operating means to said external power source, said single electrical conductor means comprising;

a hermetically sealed multiple-conductor cable extending remotely from said casing to said external electrical power source;

one extremity of said cable having a grounded conductor connected to said casing, additional conductors connected to said valve operating means in said casing interior, and the opposite extremity of said cable connected to said electrical power source by means of a hermetically sealed electrical plug casing;

said plug casing provided with a conventional hermetically sealed 3-pin grounded plug that plugs into a conventional grounded electrical service outlet receptacle, thereby, connecting said valve operating means to said external electrical power source;

a step-down transformer mounted in the interior of said plug casing, primary leads of said transformer connected to line pins of said 3-pin grounded plug, and secondary leads of said transformer connected to conductors in said multipleconductor cable thereby providing a source of low operating voltage to said valve operating means;

ground pin of said 3-pin grounded plug connected to said plug casing and to conductor in said multiple-conductor cable;

said step-down transformer coil core frame extended through and protruding from said plug casing exterior surface and, thereon, attached to cooling fins which radiate heat generated by said transformer;

one extremity of said multiple-conductor plug extension cable terminated in said casing, and opposite extremity thereof, terminated in said plug casing by means of moulded strain relief terminations which provide a hermetic seal between exterior surface of said multiple-conductor cable and interiors of both the said casing and the said plug casing; and

a thin disc of low durometer hermetic sealing material spanning exterior surface face of said 3-pin grounded plug, said three pins extending therethrough, providing a hermetic seal between exterior surface of said plug casing and interior of said electrical service outlet receptable..]. .[.46. The flow control of claim 45 wherein said manually manipulatable connection means disposed on the exterior side of said casing to which fluid supply and delivery means are coupled, comprise;

a rigid tubular fluid extension conduit, one extremity of which is attached to the fluid inlet on said valve main housing, and a fluid swivel connector is attached to the opposite end of the said fluid extension conduit;

said fluid swivel connector adapted to be affixed to the outlet of a conventional outdoor mounted water faucet; and

the fluid outlet on said valve main housing providing said fluid delivery means, for connection to a flexible fluid conduit..]. .[.47. The flow control of claim 46 in combination with a time delay relay disposed in the interior of said flow control casing;

said time delay relay having an actuator and a single movable pole, double contact, switch comprising a first and second contact;

said timer switch, said valve actuator, said mode switch first contact and said step-down transformer secondary, all connected in series with said relay first contact;

when said timer switch, said mode switch first contact and said relay first contact are closed, said valve actuator is energized and said valve is opened;

said relay first contact opens, and said relay second contact closes, at the end of a given first predetermined time interval or delay, after said relay actuator is energized, thereby, providing a said first predetermined time delay between said relay actuator energization and said valve actuator de-energization; and

said relay first contact closes, and said relay second contact opens immediately upon de-energization of said relay actuator, thereby, causing immediate de-energizing of the said valve actuator when said relay actuator is de-energized..]. .[.48. The flow control of claim 47 wherein the length of the said first predetermined time interval is adjustable..]. .[.49. The flow control of claim 48 wherein the said relay actuator conductor means and the said step-down transformer are all connected in series with a planimetric rain switch, comprising;

an insulating member having a surface which is adapted to be oriented to receive rain, thereon, and first and second spaced apart conductor means on said surface connected to said relay actuator conductor means, which are adapted to be electrically connected by precipitation on said insulating surface and, thereby, complete the continuity of the said relay actuator and said transformer secondary circuit, causing the said relay actuator to be energized, said relay first contact to open, said valve actuator to be de-energized, and said valve to close;

upon cessation of said precipitation, said spaced apart conductor means continuity is interrupted causing said relay actuator to be de-genergized, said relay first contact to close, said valve actuator to be energized, and said valve to open;

said planimetric rain switch disposed on the exterior surface of said frustoconical top cover flat surface angularly mounted in the interior of a section of right circular cylinder, one peripheral extremity of which abutts the peripheral extremity of a rigid wire screen disc, and the opposite peripheral extremity of said cylinder is supported parallel to, and spaced slightly apart from said top cover exterior surface, enabling precipitation to enter said cylinder interior through said screen, impinge upon said insulating surface of said planimetric rain switch, gravity flow from said insulating surface, and exit from between said last mentioned right circular cylinder peripheral extremity and said top cover exterior surface;

said spaced apart conductor means on said rain switch insulating surface connected to said relay actuator conductor means by means of a hermetically sealed rain switch cable extending from said spaced apart conductors through the said frustoconical cover flat surface by means of a hermetically sealed bushing that extends from the exterior surface to the interior surface of the said frustoconical cover; and

said cable extending radially along the interior surface of said cover, perpendicular to said hinge axis, and through said panel via a hermetically sealed bushing therein..]. .[.50. The flow control of claim 49 wherein the said rain switch cable is formed into a coil comprising several turns;

peripheral plane of said coil is orthogonal to the axis of said rain switch cable and said coil is formed in a fully contracted position wherein each said turn is congruent with, and consecutively contiguous to the preceeding said turn;

said coil is located adjacent to, and perpendicular to, the said hinge axis at the juncture of said top cover and said panel, and axis of said coil is perpendicular to exterior surface of said panel;

when the peripheral extremity of the said top cover circumferentially abutts the said panel peripheral flange, said coil is in a fully contracted position;

when said top cover is rotated, with respect to said panel, to the said predetermined maximum limit, said coil is in a fully expanded position, providing a flexible expansion cable pivot between the said top cover and the said panel; and

protecting said rain switch cable from flexure breakage when said top cover is repeatedly opened and closed..]. .[.51. The flow control of claim 50 wherein the said planimetric switch, said right circular cylindrical section, and said wire screen comprise a rain switch housing;

said rain switch housing is disposed on the exterior surface of said top cover flat portion;

a limited arc segment of said opposite peripheral extremity of said cylinder is hinged contiguously to exterior surface of said top cover;

said hinge axis is tangential to said opposite peripheral extremity of said cylinder and is parallel to said top cover flat portion;

said rain switch housing is rotatable about said hinge axis thereby providing for variable selection of the angle formed between the said top cover flat portion and the plane of the said cylinder opposite peripheral extremity; and

means for securing said rain switch housing at any desired value of said angle..]. .[.52. The flow control of claim 51 wherein the said time delay relay comprises;

time delay means causing said first contact to open and said second contact to close at the end of the said first given predetermined time interval after the said switch actuator is energized; and

said time delay means causing said first contact to close and said second contact to open at the end of a second given predetermined time interval after the said switch actuator is de-energized..]. .[.53. The flow control of claim 52 wherein the length of the said first predetermined time interval and the said second predetermined time interval are adjustable..]. .Iadd. 54. A flow control for a fluid flow system having a fluid conduit with a flow control valve therein, said flow control valve having an electrically operated valve actuator means and said flow control comprising;

a first circuit means for connecting a source of operating voltage to said valve actuator means;

a first switching means comprising timing means for automatically completing said first circuit means to energize said valve actuator means and thereby open said valve and allow flow of fluid through said conduit for a predetermined period of time, and upon completion of said time period, for interrupting said first circuit means, causing said valve actuator means to be de-energized and said valve to close, thereby terminating flow through said conduit;

a second switching means which, when energized, interrupts the continuity of said first circuit means, thereby overriding said first switching means and de-energizing said valve actuator means, thus causing said valve to open and terminate fluid flow through said conduit and which, upon de-energization of said switch actuator means, restores control of said first switching means over said valve actuator means, completing continuity of said first circuit means and energizing said valve actuator means, causing said valve to open and said fluid to flow therethrough, said second switching means comprising a switching means with an electrically operated actuator means;

a third circuit means comprising, in series, said switch actuator means, third circuit conductor means, said source of operating voltage, and moisture sensitive switching means which, when closed, completes continuity of said third circuit means and which, when open, interrupts continuity of said third circuit means;

said moisture sensitive switching means are adapted to be electrically connected by the presence of rain on said moisture sensitive switch, thereby completing the continuity of said third circuit means, energizing said switch actuator means, overriding said first switching means, interrupting said first circuit means, de-energizing said valve actuator means, closing said valve, and terminating fluid flow therethrough;

said means which are adapted to be electrically connected by the presence of rain on said moisture sensitive switching means being further adapted, concomitantly with the subsequent absence of rain thereon, to interrupt said third circuit means, thereby de-energizing said switch actuator means and restoring control of said valve actuator means to said first switching means; and

when said second switching means is energized, said source of operating voltage energizes a second circuit means providing said source of operating voltage for ancillary control when said moisture switch is activated and said first circuit means is interrupted. .Iaddend..Iadd. 55. The flow control of claim 54 wherein said second switching means comprises time delay means for causing said first circuit means to be interrupted and said second circuit means to be energized at the end of a given predetermined time interval after said moisture sensitive switching means is activated; and

said time delay means restores continuity to said first circuit means and removes said source of operating voltage from said second circuit means immediately upon deactivation of said moisture sensitive switching means. .Iaddend..Iadd. 56. A flow control according to claim 55 which includes means for adjusting said predetermined time interval. .Iaddend..Iadd. 57. A flow control according to claim 54 which has a third switching means incorporated in said first circuit means and providing an automatic mode of operation in which said valve actuator means are energized by said first and second switching means, an inoperative mode of operation in which said valve actuator means is disconnected from said first circuit means, and a manual mode of operation in which said valve actuator means is electrically connected directly to said source of operating voltage, whereby in said automatic mode of operation said fluid flow through said valve is programmed by said first switching means subject to being overridden by said second switching means;

in said inoperative mode said source of operating voltage cannot activate said valve actuator means; and

in said manual mode of operation said source of operation voltage is provided manually to said valve actuator means thereby manually controlling flow of fluid through said valve. .Iaddend..Iadd. 58. A flow control according to claim 57 which includes rain alarm means and means for energizing said rain alarm means during periods of rainfall and for the duration thereof. .Iaddend..Iadd. 59. A flow control according to claim 54 which has a three-position fourth switching means, an alarm, for so energizing that it provides a simultaneous audible and visual alarm signal during rainfall when said fourth switching means is in a first position;

no alarm signal during rainfall when said fourth switching means is in a second position; and

a visual alarm signal only, during rainfall, when said fourth switching means is in a third position. .Iaddend. .Iadd. 60. The combination of a flow control as defined in claim 54 and a step-down voltage means for supplying a reduced operating voltage to said control, said step-down voltage means comprising;

a hermetically sealed plug casing;

a step-down voltage circuit means housed in said casing;

electrical contacts protruding through said plug casing and adapted to be plugged into an electrical service outlet receptacle;

means in said casing connecting said electrical contacts to said step-down voltage circuit means; and

means extending through said hermetically sealed casing and an extension cable for connecting step-down voltage circuit means to said first circuit means of said flow control. .Iaddend..Iadd. 61. The combination of claim 60 wherein said step-down voltage circuit means comprises a step-down transformer having coil means wound and supported on a coil core frame that is integral with the plug casing;

wherein at least the exterior portion of said plug casing is constructed of electrically insulating material; and

wherein said coil core frame is constructed of a thermally conductive material and protrudes through said plug casing, thereby causing heat generated by said step-down transformer to be radiated away from said plug casing. .Iaddend. .Iadd. 62. The combination of claim 61 wherein said step-down transformer is of the grounded-barrier type and wherein said grounded barrier is electrically connected to said coil core frame and to said plug casing. .Iaddend. .Iadd. 63. A flow control according to claim 54 which has means for controlling an additional fluid flow controlling or effecting device, comprising;

a fourth circuit means and a remote flow device actuator means coupled to said flow device, said fourth circuit means being connected in parallel with said first circuit means; and

said remote flow device actuator means being electrically connected to said fourth circuit means, thereby causing said remote flow device actuator means to be energized and de-energized substantially coterminously with the energization and de-energization of said valve actuator means. .Iaddend. .Iadd. 64. A control for a flow control system or the like, comprising;

a casing having a main member of cylindrical configuration, a bottom cover fixed to said main member at one end thereof, and a panel affixed to and closing said main casing member at the opposite end thereof, said bottom cover having a portion spanning said main casing member and a flange around its periphery abutting the periphery of said main casing member, and said panel having a portion spanning said main casing member and a peripheral flange in contiguous abutment with the main casing member;

a top cover having a frustroquadric portion and a cylindrical portion of which is telescoped over said peripheral panel flange and provides a closure between said top cover and the exterior of said panel;

a fluid flow valve with an inlet and an outlet and an electrically operated actuator housed in said casing, said actuator being adapted to be operated from a voltage source located external of said casing;

valve actuator operating means in said casing for energizing and de-energizing said valve actuator to open and close said valve and thereby control flow of fluid therethrough;

electrical conductor means extending from the interior of said casing therethrough to said external electrical power source;

circuit means in said casing for connecting conductor means to said valve actuator means and said valve actuator operating means;

manually manipulatable connection means disposed on the exterior side of said casing to which fluid supply and delivery means can be coupled; and

means providing fluid communication from said connection means to the inlet and outlet of said fluid flow valve. .Iaddend. .Iadd. 65. A flow control unit according to claim 64 which includes a hinge for rotatably connecting said top cover to said main casing member and means for attaching said hinge to said main casing member and to said top cover, said hinge having leaves which are longitudinally arced while the axis of said hinge is longitudinally straight and parallel to at least one axis of said hinge leaves; and

stop means incorporated in said hinge for limiting the annular movement of said hinged top cover with respect to said main casing to a predetermined maximum limit. .Iaddend..Iadd. 66. A flow control according to claim 65 which has means for spring loading said hinge so as to cause said top cover to abut said main casing member in a manner providing a hermetic seal between said top cover and said panel. .Iaddend..Iadd. 67. A flow control according to claim 65 which has a draw pull catch fixed to the exterior of said main casing at a point that is diametrically opposite said hinge and a strike fixed to the exterior of said top cover, said draw pull catch having a loop so engagable with said strike as to displace said top cover into hermetically sealed relationship with said main casing member. .Iaddend..Iadd. 68. A flow control according to claim 64 which includes a timer means for controlling said valve actuator means and said fluid flow valve according to a selectable programmed time sequence;

said timer means being fixed to said panel in a hermetically sealed chamber defined by said panel and said main casing member; and

a mechanical, selectable program timer means being accessible by displacing said top cover relative to said main casing member. .Iaddend. .Iadd. 69. A flow control according to claim 68 which has a rotating drive shaft for connecting said selectable program timer operating means to said timer means which extends through said panel, a timer switch operating means fixed to the exterior of said panel, a timer switch in said hermetically sealed chamber, an angularly oscillating drive shaft means extending through said panel and connecting said timer switch operating means to said timer switch, and bushings surrounding said shafts and providing a hermetically sealing relationship between said shafts and said panel. .Iaddend..Iadd. 70. A flow control according to claim 64 which has a three position mode control switch fixed on said panel for effecting automatic control of said fluid flow valve by said selectable program timer operating means when said mode switch is in an automatic position, manual control of said valve when said mode switch is in a manual position, and disconnecting said valve actuator means from said valve actuator conductor means when said mode switch is in an off position; and

said mode control switch being accessible by displacement of said top cover relative to said main casing member. .Iaddend..Iadd. 71. A flow control according to claim 64 wherein said fluid flow valve is fixed to said bottom cover and wherein said fluid communication means comprises an inlet fitting between said connection supply means and said valve inlet and an outlet fitting between said valve outlet and said connection delivery means. .Iaddend. .Iadd. 72. The flow control of claim 64 wherein said electrical conductor means comprises a cable extending in hermetically sealed relationship through said casing to said external electrical power source;

one extremity of said cable being electrically connected to said valve operating means and the opposite extremity of said cable terminating in a plug having;

a hermetically sealed casing, electrical contacts adapted to be plugged into a conventional electrical service outlet receptacle to thereby electrically connect said cable to said external electrical power source; and

a step-down voltage circuit means housed in the plug casing and electrically connected between said contacts and said multiple-conductor cable for making a low operating voltage available to said valve operating means. .Iaddend..Iadd. 73. The flow control of claim 64 comprising;

an electrical connector means accessible from the exterior of said flow control casing and means connecting said connector means in parallel with said valve actuator means, whereby a further fluid flow controlling or effecting device can be so connected to said valve operating means as to energize and de-energize said device coterminously with the energization and de-energization of said valve actuator means and without requiring access to the interior of said casing. .Iaddend. .Iadd. 74. A flow control according to claim 64 comprising means for supporting said flow control casing from one extremity of a vertical, stanchion which includes a downwardly opening female cap attached to said bottom cover and adapted to be telescoped over said one extremity of said vertical stanchion. .Iaddend. .Iadd. 75. The flow control valve of claim 64 wherein said manually manipulatable connection means comprises an inlet fitting and an outlet fitting, said inlet fitting and said outlet fitting each have an inlet port and an outlet port defined by a shouldered flange;

the outlet port of said inlet fitting being attached to said valve inlet and the inlet port of said inlet fitting being attached to, and protruding through, said bottom cover;

the inlet port of said outlet fitting being attached to said valve outlet and the outlet port of said outlet fitting being attached to, and protruding through, said bottom cover; and

fastener means engaging the inlet port defining flange of the inlet fitting and the outlet port flange of the outlet fitting and the exterior side of the bottom cover to thereby fix said valve and said fluid communication means to said cover. .Iaddend..Iadd. 76. The combination of a stanchion and a flow control according to claim 64, there being communicating, hermetically sealed openings through said bottom cover and said top cover of the flow control main casing and a communicating opening at said one extremity of said stanchion through which said conductor means can be introduced into the chamber in said main casing. .Iaddend. .Iadd. 77. A flow control according to claim 64 which includes a selectable program timer means for controlling the operation of said valve actuator means and said valve actuator operating means via said circuit means and a moisture sensitive rain switch for activating a time delay actuator means and thereby causing a relay means to override said selectable program timer means and cause said valve actuator means to open said valve at a predetermined time interval after activation of said rain switch;

said rain switch having an insulating member with a surface which is adapted to be oriented to receive rain thereon and spaced apart conductor means on said surface which are adapted to be electrically connected by precipitation on said insulating surface to connect said external power source to said time delay actuator means;

said moisture sensitive rain switch being disposed on the exterior surface of said frustoquadric top cover. .Iaddend. .Iadd. 78. A flow control according to claim 77 together with a housing for said rain switch which comprises an upwardly opening main housing member spaced above said frustoquadric top cover and a perforate, protective cover spanning the open end of said main housing member, said rain switch being disposed at an angle to the horizontal in said housing, whereby rain can enter said housing through said protective cover, impinge on said rain switch, flow by gravity off the insulating surface thereof, and exit from said housing through the space between said main housing member and said top cover. .Iaddend. .Iadd. 79. A flow control according to claim 78 which includes a rain switch cable extending from said spaced apart rain switch conductors means through said frustoquadric cover, radially along the interior surface of the said frustoquadric cover, and then through said panel to electrically connect said rain switch to said valve operating means; and

means surrounding said cable for hermetically sealing the openings in said cover and said panel through which said cable passes. .Iaddend..Iadd. 80. A flow control according to claim 79 wherein said rain switch cable is formed into a contracted coil which has its peripheral plane orthogonal to the axis of said rain switch cable;

said coil being located adjacent, and perpendicular, to a hinge axis at the juncture of said top cover and said panel, and the axis of said coil being perpendicular to said panel when the peripheral extremity of the said top cover is abutted with said panel, said coil thereby being so oriented as to be rotated relative to said panel and extended to protect it from flexure breakage when said top cover is opened and closed. .Iaddend. .Iadd. 81. A flow control for a flow control system comprising;

a casing having a main, frustoquadric casing member, a bottom cover, and a panel, said main casing member having a tapered portion which circumferentially abuts said bottom cover, thereby enclosing the bottom of said main frustoquadric member and a cylindrical portion, said panel being affixed to and spanning said main casing member and having a flange in contiguous circumferential abutment with the cylindrical portion of said main casing member which provides a seal between said panel and said main casing member;

a top cover comprising a frustoquadric portion and a cylindrical portion which is telescoped over said panel and abuts said casing, thereby providing a seal between said top cover and said panel;

a fluid flow valve with an electrically operated actuator means integrated with said casing;

an electrical, valve operating means in said casing for energizing and de-energizing said valve actuator means to open and close said valve and thereby control the flow of fluid therethrough;

electrical conductor means extending from the interior to the exterior of said casing for connecting said valve operating means to an external electrical power source;

circuit means in said casing for connecting said valve actuator means and said valve operating means to said conductor means; and

manually manipulatable connection means accessible from the exterior of said casing to which fluid supply and delivery means can be coupled. .Iaddend..Iadd. 82. A flow control according to claim 81 which includes a hinge for rotatably connecting said top cover to said main casing member and means for attaching said hinge to said main casing member and to said top cover, said hinge having leaves which are longitudinally arced while the axis of said hinge is longitudinally straight and parallel to at least one axis of said hinge leaves; and

stop means incorporated in said hinge for limiting the annular movement of said hinged top cover with respect to said main casing. .Iaddend..Iadd. 83. A flow control according to claim 82 which has means for so spring loading said hinge as to cause said top cover to abut said main casing member in a manner providing a hermetic seal between said top cover and said panel. .Iaddend..Iadd. 84. A flow control according to claim 82 which has a draw pull catch fixed to the exterior of the main casing at a point that is diametrically opposite said hinge and a strike fixed to the exterior of said top cover, said draw pull catch having a loop so engagable with said strike as to displace said top cover into hermetically sealed relationship with said main casing member. .Iaddend..Iadd. 85. A flow control according to claim 81 which includes a timer means for controlling said valve actuator means and said fluid flow valve according to a selectable programmed time sequence, said timer means being fixed to said panel in a hermetically sealed chamber defined by said panel and said main casing member; and

a mechanical, timer-operating, selectable program, timer means for controlling the operation of said timer means, said timer-operating, selectable program, timer means being electrically insulated from said timer means and accessible by displacing said top cover relative to said main casing member. .Iaddend..Iadd. 86. A flow control according to claim 85 which has a rotating drive shaft for connecting said timer operating means to said timer means which extends through said panel, a timer switch operating means fixed to the exterior of said panel, a timer switch in said hermetically sealed chamber, an angularly oscillating drive shaft means extending through said panel and connecting said timer switch operating means to said timer switch, and bushings surrounding said shafts and hermetically sealing relationship between said shafts and said panel. .Iaddend. .Iadd. 87. A flow control according to claim 81 wherein said valve actuator means is housed in the interior of said frustoquadric main casing member;

wherein said valve has a main housing attached to the exterior of said casing; and

wherein said manually manipulatable connection means are attached to said main valve housing. .Iaddend..Iadd. 88. A flow control according to claim 87 wherein said valve comprises a cylindrical valve actuator stem sealed to said main housing of said valve, said valve actuator stem comprising means for opening said valve when said valve actuator means is energized and means for closing said valve when said valve actuator means is de-energized, said valve actuator stem protruding through said bottom cover into the interior of said main casing members; and

wherein said valve actuator means comprises an electromagnetic coil telescoped over said valve actuator stem. .Iaddend..Iadd. 89. A flow control according to claim 87 wherein said main valve housing has an inlet and an outlet;

wherein said manually manipulatable connection means comprises a fluid extension conduit, one extremity of which is attached to said fluid inlet;

wherein said flow control also includes a fluid connector attached to the opposite end of said fluid extension conduit, said fluid connector being adapted to be affixed to the outlet of a faucet; and

wherein the fluid outlet of said valve main housing is adapted to be connected to a flexible fluid conduit. .Iaddend. .Iadd. 90. The flow control of claim 81 wherein said electrical conductor means comprises a cable extending in hermetically sealed relationship through said casing to said external electrical power source;

one extremity of said cable being electrically connected to said valve operating means and the opposite extremity of said cable terminating in a plug having;

a hermetically sealed casing, electrical contacts adapted to be plugged into a conventional electrical service outlet receptacle to thereby electrically connect said cable to said external electrical power source; and

a step-down voltage circuit means housed in said plug casing and electrically connected between said contacts and said multiple-conductor cable for making a low operating voltage available to said valve operating means. .Iaddend. .Iadd. 91. A flow control according to claim 81 which has a selectable program timer operating means and a three position mode control switch fixed on said panel for effecting automatic control of said fluid flow valve by said selectable program, timer operating means when said mode switch is in an automatic position and manual control of said valve when said mode switch is in a manual position and for disconnecting said valve actuator means from said valve actuator conductor means when said mode switch is in an off position, said mode control switch being accessible by displacement of said top cover relative to said main casing member. .Iaddend..Iadd. 92. A flow control according to claim 81 which includes a selectable program timer means for controlling the operation of said valve actuator means and a moisture sensitive rain switch for activating a time delay actuator means and thereby causing a relay means to override said selectable program timer means and cause said valve actuator means to open said valve at a predetermined time interval after activation of said rain switch;

said rain switch having an insulating member with a surface which is adapted to be oriented to receive rain thereon and spaced apart conductor means on said surface which are adapted to be electrically connected by precipitation on said insulating surface to connect said external power source to said time delay actuator means;

said moisture sensitive rain switch being disposed on the exterior surface of said frustoquadric top cover. .Iaddend. .Iadd. 93. A flow control according to claim 92 together with a housing for said rain switch which comprises an upwardly opening main housing member spaced above said frustoquadric top cover and a perforate, protective cover spanning the open end of said main housing member, said rain switch being disposed at an angle to the horizontal in said housing, whereby rain can enter said housing through said protective cover, impinge on said rain switch, flow by gravity off the insulating surface thereof, and exit from said housing through the space between said main housing member and said top cover. .Iaddend. .Iadd. 94. A flow control according to claim 93 wherein said rain switch housing is hinged to said top cover, thereby providing for variable selection of the angle formed between said top cover and the plane of the said rain switch housing; and

wherein said control further includes means for securing said rain switch housing at any desired value of said angle. .Iaddend..Iadd. 95. A flow control according to claim 93 wherein said rain switch cable is formed into a contracted coil which has its peripheral plane orthogonal to the axis of said rain switch cable;

said coil being located adjacent, and perpendicular, to a hinge axis at the juncture of said top cover and said panel, and the axis of said coil being perpendicular to said panel when the peripheral extremity of the said top cover is abutted with said panel, said coil thereby being so oriented as to be rotated relative to said panel and extended to protect it from flexure breakage when said top cover is opened and closed. .Iaddend..Iadd. 96. A flow control according to claim 92 which includes a rain switch cable extending from said spaced apart rain switch conductor means through said frustoquadric cover, radially along the interior surface of said frustoquadric cover, and through said panel to electrically connect said rain switch to said valve operating means; and

means surrounding said cable for hermetically sealing the openings in said cover and said panel through which said cable passes. .Iaddend. .Iadd. 97. A flow control for a fluid flow system, comprising;

a casing having a cylindrical main casing member, a bottom cover fitted and fixed to said casing member at one end thereof, a panel affixed to and closing said main casing member at the opposite end thereof, said panel having a peripheral flange in contiguous abutment with the main casing member, and a top cover which is telescoped over said peripheral panel flange to form a closure between said top cover and the exterior of said panel, said bottom cover having a portion spanning said main casing member and a peripheral flange abutting the interior of said main casing member;

a continuous annular gasket inserted contiguously between the peripheral extremities of said panel flange and said main casing member, the peripheral extremity of said panel flange being sandwiched circumferentially into one annular face of said annular gasket, and the opposite annular face thereof being telescoped over said peripheral extremity of said main casing member, thereby providing a seal between said top cover and said main casing member;

a fluid flow valve disposed in said casing, said valve having an inlet and an outlet and an electrically operated actuator;

conductor means extending from the interior to the exterior of said casing for electrically connecting said actuator to an external electrical power source;

manually manipulatable connection means externally of said casing to which fluid supply and delivery means can be coupled; and

means providing fluid communication from said connection means to the inlet and outlet of said fluid flow valve. .Iaddend. .Iadd. 98. The flow control of claim 97 wherein said fluid communication means comprises;

an inlet fitting between said fluid supply means and said valve inlet and an outlet fitting between said valve outlet and said fluid delivery means, said inlet and outlet fittings being in fluid communication with the inlet and outlet of said valve and having portions which extend through said casing to the exterior thereof; and

wherein said control further comprises fastener means engaging said protruding portions of said fittings and the exterior side of said bottom cover for fixing said valve and said fittings in place in said casing. .Iaddend. .Iadd. 99. A flow control according to claim 97 comprising means for supporting said flow control casing from one extremity of a vertical, stanchion which includes a downwardly opening female cap attached to said bottom cover and adapted to be telescoped over said one extremity of said vertical stanchion. .Iaddend. .Iadd. 100. A flow control according to claim 97 which includes a moisture sensitive rain switch for activating a time delay actuator means and thereby causing a relay means to override said external electrical power and cause said valve actuator to open said valve at a predetermined time interval after activation of said rain switch;

said rain switch having an insulating member with a surface which is adapted to be oriented to receive rain thereon and spaced apart conductor means on said surface which are adapted to be electrically connected by precipitation on said insulating surface to connect said external power source to said time delay actuator means;

said moisture sensitive rain switch being disposed on the exterior surface of said top cover. .Iaddend..Iadd. 101. A flow control according to claim 100 together with a housing for said rain switch which comprises an upwardly opening main housing member spaced above said frustoquadric top cover and a perforate, protective cover spanning the open end of said main housing member, said rain switch being disposed at an angle to the horizontal in said housing, whereby rain can enter said housing through said protective cover, impinge on said rain switch, flow by gravity off the insulating surface thereof, and exit from said housing through the space between said main housing member and said top cover. .Iaddend. .Iadd. 102. A flow control for a fluid flow system, comprising;

a casing having a cylindrical main casing member, a bottom cover fitted and fixed to said casing member at one end thereof, a panel affixed to and closing said main casing member at the opposite end thereof, said panel having a peripheral flange in contiguous circumferential abutment with the main casing member, thereby providing a seal between said panel and said main casing member, and a top cover which is telescoped over said peripheral panel flange to form a closure between said top cover and the exterior of said panel, said bottom cover having a flat portion spanning said main casing member and a peripheral flange abutting said main casing member;

a fluid flow valve disposed in said casing, said valve having an inlet and an outlet and an electrically operated actuator;

conductor means extending from the interior to the exterior of said casing for electrically connecting said actuator to an external electrical power source;

manually manipulatable connection means externally of said casing to which fluid supply and delivery means can be coupled;

means providing fluid communication from said connection means to the inlet and outlet of said fluid flow valve; and

means for supporting said flow control casing from one extremity of a vertical stanchion which includes a downwardly opening female cap attached to said bottom cover and adapted to be telescoped over said one extremity of said vertical stanchion, there being communicating openings in said bottom cover and at said extremity of said stanchion through which said conductor means can be introduced into said casing. .Iaddend.