Water flow metering device

A water flow metering device, comprising:

• a device body comprising a water passage, the water passage comprising a water inlet and a water outlet;
• a shut-off valve disposed within the water passage, the shut-off valve operable to block water flow between the water inlet and water outlet when closed;
• a controller operable to open and close the shut-off valve;
• a measuring device disposed within the water passage operable to communicate a measurement of water flowing through the passage to the controller;
• and
• a depth selection device operable to receive input from a user corresponding to a depth value of water to distribute with a water distribution device in fluid communication with the water passage and to communicate the depth value to the controller;
• wherein the controller is configured to
• calculate a duration for the shut-off valve to remain open, the duration based at least on the measurement communicated from the measuring device and the depth value communicated from the depth selection device, and
• close the shut-off valve after the calculated duration.

A water flow metering device for use as a handheld or ground-based sprinkler, comprising:

• a device body including a water inlet;
• a water distribution head in fluid communication with the device body;
• a pressure control valve disposed between the water inlet and the water distribution head, the pressure control valve operative to limit the pressure of the water entering the device body to a predetermined pressure;
• and
• a flow pattern selector coupled to the water distribution head and operable to meter the amount of water sprayed onto the surrounding area, the flow pattern selector including indicia providing flowrate information to an operator in inches per hour based on the predetermined pressure.

A device for measuring flow of water between a water source and a sprinkler having a particular distribution pattern, and for providing depth over time information to a user, the device comprising:

• an inlet connector for connecting with a first hose section that is connected with the water source,
• an outlet connector for connecting with a second hose section that is connected with the sprinkler,
• a pressure gauge for measuring the pressure of water flowing through the device,
• an information chart that provides indicia relating to pressure values, sprinkler distribution patterns, and depth distribution of water over time information, and
• a chart interpretation tool for use with the information chart, the information chart and the chart interpretation tool being configured to identify depth over time information based on the pressure of water flowing through the device and the sprinkler's distribution pattern.