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[As this post is somewhat off-topic, and is being discussed on IR-L, I will not continue the discussion on sowacs after this initial introduction. To follow or contribute to the discussion, please post to IR-L. (To subscribe see http://www.wiz.uni-kassel.de/kww/projekte/irrig/irrigation-l/irrigation-l_i.html this link) Bruce] Greetings I am an independent inventor and I presently have a patent pending valve that can be programmed, as an example, to open only one time out of 8 pressurization cycles. Or, the "program" can be every other time the water line is pressurized the valve would open. It uses no electricity or external actuation energy, only the water pressure is utilized. An example of it's use could be having a cactus and avocado on the same irrigation line. The avocado gets water every time the line is pressurized, but the cactus only every eighth time. Another example could be a row of citrus trees with a replacement tree needed in that row. The replacement tree, until established, will need more frequent watering but all the trees are on the same line. The mature trees could have the valve programmed to only open say every eight time while the replacement tree gets water every time the water line is pressurized. As the replacement tree matures the valve can be reprogrammed (by flipping a lever or turning a dial, as an example) so the frequency of its watering gets closer to the mature trees and eventually, will be identical. My questions are: 1. Could such a valve solve any problems that you have? And if so what type of problem? 2. Are you aware of any such device like that being available? 3. If such a valve would be useful what number of pressure or program cycles would you want it to have. By this I mean would you prefer a valve that will be: 0 to 7 out of 7? This would allow water to turn on as infrequently as 1 day every weeks if the waterline is pressurized daily. 0 to 8 out of 8? This would allow water to turn on as infrequently as 12.5% of the time or 25% of the time, or 37.5% of the time, etc. 0 to 14 out of 14? This would allow water to turn on as infrequently as 1 day every two weeks if the waterline is pressurized daily. 4. What water pressure and flow rates would be of interest? Of particular interest would be the minimum flow rate. 5. Are there other discussion groups that you would recommend I pose these same questions? 6. Any additional comments would be appreciated. If you are interested there is a recent article that references this valve: Irrigation & Green Industry, Volume 2, Number 3, Dated May/June 1999,, Page 22. Title is "What's New in Valves". Published by: ISG Communications, Inc. 916C North Formosa Avenue Los Angeles, CA 90046 URL: www.igin.com I am looking for licensees for this device in the irrigation field and other fields. I have working prototypes and a number of companies have expressed interest I thank you for your time and hope that no one feels that this is an inappropriate subject for this forum. As an independent inventor it can sometimes get lonely and I need feedback and suggestions as I plow forward. Thank you. George A. Beauchemin 3294 Via Loma Fallbrook, CA 92028 Home Telephone: (760) 723-2954 Work Telephone: (760) 723-2954 E-Mail: beauche@connectnet.com