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2005-10-05

ORBIT IRRIGATION WINS PATENT APPEAL IN FEDERAL COURT

October 5, 2005

In early 1997, Orbit Irrigation Products Inc. of North Salt Lake, Utah, was the first company to develop and - later that same year - market an insulated ergonomic hose nozzle.

In 2001, L.R. Nelson Corp. of Peoria, Illinois, commenced litigation against Orbit and other domestic and foreign manufacturers for infringement of U.S. Patent 6,036,117.

On March 19, 2004, a United State District Court Judge invalidated L.R. Nelson's patent. L.R. Nelson appealed that decision, and subsequently lost its appeal in the Federal Circuit Court of Appeals.

On September 30, 2005, L.R. Nelson settled with Orbit Irrigation Products for an undisclosed amount, resolving four years of litigation between the parties.

Any further inquiries regarding this case should be directed to Orbit Irrigation Products, Inc., Public Affairs Department. They can be reached at 801-299-5555 ext. 420, or email publicaffairs@orbitonline.com.

See below Nelson's Press Release on the subject

Press Release Issued by L.R. Nelson Corporation of Peoria, Illinois

September 30, 2005

In 1997, Orbit Irrigation Products, Inc. of North Salt Lake, Utah, introduced an ergonomic twist nozzle to the market place, a copy of which is attached.

Thereafter, L.R. Nelson asserted a patent (U.S. Patent #6,036,117) against the Orbit product (copy of patent attached).

A U.S. District Court found the Nelson patent invalid.

Nelson apologizes for any inconvenience it has caused Orbit as a result of its assertion of patent protection on this item and acknowledges Orbit"s right to sell this product uninhibited.