A self-energized programmable timer valve is provided in embodiments of this invention that can be used in watering and other systems, such as lawn watering systems and agricultural watering systems. The invention provides one or more components that serve the functions of a clock, a valve and an energizer (e.g., turbine) (i.e., a clock function, a valve function, and an energizing and/or turbine function) to control the flow of media (e.g., water) through the valve.

Three-way valve drivable by a pump, switchable between at least two switch positions wherein a first port is selectively in fluid communication with a second port or with a third port. The three-way valve comprises a movable support and a pair of obstructing members carried by the movable support, at least one of which is responsive to the pressure applied by the pump at the first port, at least one of the movable support and obstructing members being movable due to transitions between an off-state and an on-state of the circulation pump. The obstructing members are adapted to engage reciprocatingly the respective seats of the three-way valve. The obstructing members are capable of changing shape synchronously when the pump switches from the off-state to the on-state.

Three-way valve drivable by a pump, switchable between at least two switch positions wherein a first port is selectively in fluid communication with a second port or with a third port. The three-way valve comprises a movable support and a pair of obstructing members carried by the movable support, at least one of which is responsive to the pressure applied by the pump at the first port, at least one of the movable support and obstructing members to being movable due to transitions between an off-state and an on-state of the circulation pump. The obstructing members are adapted to engage reciprocatingly the respective seats of the three-way valve. The obstructing members are capable of changing shape synchronously when the pump switches from the off-state to the on-state.

A water distribution valve assembly is carried in a multi-port water distribution valve with a bottom inlet. The assembly includes a bearing plate including a plurality of openings, and a valve plate including a port, the valve plate mounted for rotation on and with respect to the bearing plate. A drive assembly is operably coupled to impart rotational movement of the valve plate with respect to the bearing plate, in response to the application of a flow of water, through a plurality of positions each characterized by the port of the valve plate being aligned with a respective one of the plurality of openings.

A self-energized programmable timer valve is provided in embodiments of this invention that can be used in watering and other systems, such as lawn watering systems and agricultural watering systems. The invention provides one or more components that serve the functions of a clock, a valve and an energizer (e.g., turbine) (i.e., a clock function, a valve function, and an energizing and/or turbine function) to control the flow of media (e.g., water) through the valve. Exemplary components comprise a programmable clock apparatus comprising a mechanical clock mechanism and a mechanical mainspring, the programmable clock apparatus capable of opening and closing a control valve system by using a first connecting apparatus; the first connecting apparatus which converts the rotational movement of an of an hour dial and a minute dial to a linear movement of a valve plug component to open and close the control valve system and control the flow of media through it; and a turbine apparatus comprising a turbine shaft that has a turbine impeller on one end that is capable of turning when water flows through the control valve system, wherein when the turbine impeller turns its rotational energy is transferred to the mechanical mainspring of the programmable clock apparatus.

An adapter for a pool cleaning system is provided. The adapter includes a base member having a top and a bottom surface. The adapter also includes six upper ports coupled to the top surface of the base member, each upper port including an upper aperture extending through the upper port and through the base member. The adapter further includes five lower ports coupled to the bottom surface of the base member, each lower port including a lower aperture extending through the lower port and through the base member. In some embodiments, four of lower ports are in fluid communication four of the upper ports and one of the lower ports is in fluid communication with two of the upper ports.

An electric solenoid valve, methods for operating and/or actuating the solenoid valve, valve system diagnostics, and applications for use are described. The valve may be designed to actuate in a manner so as to control liquid flow into and/or through a device, such as a spray nozzle. By altering the characteristics of the electrical signal transmitted to the solenoid valve, the instantaneous pressure across the valve and duration of fluid flow through the valve can be controlled with a single actuator. Controlled cyclic durations of flow may be implemented to regulate the exact timing of flow through the valve. Alternatively, cyclic durations may occur with a pulse-width modulation technique in which the duty cycle regulates average flow rate through the valve.

An adapter for a pool cleaning system is provided. The adapter includes a base member having a top and a bottom surface. The adapter also includes six upper ports coupled to the top surface of the base member, each upper port including an upper aperture extending through the upper port and through the base member. The adapter further includes five lower ports coupled to the bottom surface of the base member, each lower port including a lower aperture extending through the lower port and through the base member. In some embodiments, four of lower ports are in fluid communication four of the upper ports and one of the lower ports is in fluid communication with two of the upper ports.

A water distribution valve for directing a flow of fluid through a swimming pool cleaning system includes a housing having an inlet and outlets. A plurality of gates are mounted in the housing, each corresponding to a respective one of the outlets. Each gate is mounted to open and close the respective one of the outlets to which the gate corresponds in response to the flow of fluid into the housing from the inlet.

An adapter for a pool cleaning system is provided. The adapter includes a base member having a top and a bottom surface. The adapter also includes six upper ports coupled to the top surface of the base member, each upper port including an upper aperture extending through the upper port and through the base member. The adapter further includes five lower ports coupled to the bottom surface of the base member, each lower port including a lower aperture extending through the lower port and through the base member. In some embodiments, four of lower ports are in fluid communication four of the upper ports and one of the lower ports is in fluid communication with two of the upper ports.