20847results about "Watering devices" patented technology

Disclosed is a water-discharging device of a high voltage battery pack that can automatically adjust the level of water collecting in an under cover such that high voltage parts, such as an expensive battery module and a BMS, equipped in the under cover are not damaged by the water, by making the BMS operate a water pump to forcibly discharge the water out of the under cover, when the water collects and increases in level in the under cover having a sealed structure.

A vapor delivery device comprises a housing having a fluid inlet in fluid communication with a fluid outlet along a fluid flow path, and an energy storage unit, an atomizer, and a sensor within the housing. The energy storage unit is disposed in a chamber that fluidically isolates the energy storage unit from the fluid flow path.

Described herein are several embodiments relating to modular irrigation controllers. In many implementations, methods of implementing irrigation control are provided that detect a presence of a first module coupled with a control unit of an irrigation controller, the control unit operating in accordance with a bootloader set of code and a first set of code to implement irrigation control, identify that the first module stores a second set of code, and activate the bootloader set of code to replace the first set of code with the second set of code. Also described are various different types of modular controllers, expansion modules that may be coupled to the modular controller, having as variety of functions and features, as well as related methods of use and configuration of the controller and these modules in the controller.

A wireless control system that operates in Industrial, Scientific and Medical (ISM) frequency bands that employs one or more variable power dual modulation radio frequency transceiver-controllers that are capable of receiving and / or transmitting signals and communicating with each other over a configurable range, from short to long range. The wireless control system is suitable for use in a wide range of medical, industrial, agricultural, military and commercial applications, including, for example, the management of irrigation systems, manufacturing processes, security systems, sewage treatment and handling systems, hospital management systems, tracking systems, ground telemetry systems, environmental monitoring systems for agriculture, viticulture, pipelines and dams, HVAC management systems, water, gas and electrical metering, parking meters, asset and equipment tracking, traffic control, fire protection, public space management, intruder detection and biological research.

An irrigation controller includes a base unit with a removable and programmable control panel and backplane circuitry for communicating with a plurality of removable modules capable of performing a variety of irrigation and non-irrigation functions. A base module having irrigation station drivers is mated with the backplane circuitry and communicates with the base unit to carry out basic irrigation functions. A plurality of expansion modules and one or more smart modules, each having its own logic circuit, can be mated with the backplane circuitry to communicate with the base unit and carry out additional irrigation and non-irrigation functions.

Multi functional sensors are described. A silicon based sensor utilizes metal layers arranged as resistors around a central pair if resistors separated by a humidity sensitive polymer with one of the central resistors being a heater. This enables temperature humidity wind speed and direction to be measured. In another embodiment an array of resistors is printed onto a flexible substrate to form the basis of an array of sensors. A soil moisture sensor, which is also useful as a leaf wetness sensor, incorporates a novel self calibrating capacitive sensor structure. The flexible substrate is rolled into a stake that can be inserted in the soil so that below ground sensors measure soil moisture and above ground sensors measure temperature, light, humidity, wind speed and direction.

The present invention provides a multitude of embodiments for landscape water conservation with automated water budgeting or seasonal adjustment. Water budget automation may be implemented within an irrigation controller, by means of an add-on or a plug-in to the controller, or broadcast from a central location. The environmental data used for automated water budgeting may be historical including ambient temperature, wind, solar radiation, relative humidity, soil moisture, soil temperature, or evapotranspiration, or combinations thereof, or with a combination of current sensor data. The automated water budgeting may be accomplished with a percentage accumulation method which adjusts watering intervals and schedules, or on a daily percentage basis. In addition, government based restricted watering schedules may be combined within all the above embodiments to provide additional flexibility for water conservation.

A plurality of receptacles in an irrigation controller removably receive a plurality of modules. At least one station module is configured for insertion into a first one of the receptacles and is connectable to a corresponding solenoid actuated valve through a dedicated field valve line and common return line. The station module includes at least one switching device for selectvely providing a first power signal that energizes the corresponding solenoid actuated valve. At least one encoder module is configured for insertioninto a second one of the receptacles and is connectable to a multi-wire path for sending encoded signals and a second power signal along the multi-wire path for selectively energizing one of a plurality of solenoid actuated valves connected to corresponding decoder circuits connected along the multi-wire path. A processor executes the stored watering program and controls the station module and / or the encoder module in accordance with the stored watering program.

A timer that facilitates a user's scheduling and controlling of the operation of an irrigation system for irrigating a property, the timer including a base unit electrically connected to the valve, and a handheld unit including a power source, a CPU, a valve controller, a memory device, and software stored in the memory device. The irrigation system includes a valve, a conduit, and a distribution unit that distributes fluid over an irrigation zone of the property. The handheld unit is used remotely from the base unit to modify an irrigation schedule of the valve. The irrigation schedule is used with the valve controller to operate the valve according to the irrigation schedule through communication with the base unit.

A multi-zone landscape irrigation and lighting system includes a personal computer equipped with a detachable wireless remote, and a multi-station controller operating a plurality of irrigation valves and lighting circuits in accordance with schedules wirelessly transmitted to it by the computer through the remote. When detached from the computer, the remote can wirelessly operate selected irrigation or lighting zones manually. The computer has an intuitive graphic user interface capable of using actual zone photographs to identify individual zones in a strip of zone icons. The icon strip is movable past a lens-like window, the zone icon under the lens at a given time determining the zone currently programmable. A residential system can be operated by a contractor from the street, and the system can be programmed by e-mail from the contractor's shop. Fully automatic operation may be derived from data obtained over the Internet.

A wireless interface remote monitoring system for self-propelled irrigation systems (center pivot and lateral move sprinklers) includes a remote terminal unit (RTU) mounted on an outer drive tower of the irrigation system. The RTU includes a radio transceiver capable of sending and receiving data packets over a satellite or terrestrial telemetry backbone to and from a central control computer. The RTU further includes a current sensor and a GPS receiver both for detecting movement or non-movement of the sprinkler, a microprocessor with nonvolatile memory for storing current data and GPS coordinate data from readings taken in series over time, and a pressure or flow sensor for detecting the presence or absence of water flow at the outer drive tower of the sprinkler. The current sensor connected between the RTU and a tower drive motor, allows the RTU to calculate the “movement” or “non-movement” of the irrigation system over a specified time period. Redundantly, the GPS receiver records changes in position to indicate movement or non-movement within the GPS error tolerance. Once a change from movement to non-movement or vice-versa is determined, the RTU transmits the data by satellite or radio telemetry to a central control computer which logs the movement or non-movement of the monitored drive tower, the GPS coordinate data and the water status readings, all with time and date stamp. The central control computer creates “page message” and “text message” updates as necessary on the status of individual irrigation systems and “groups” of irrigation systems that are in turn delivered to wireless devices and computers for sprinkler operators.

The present invention provides methods for water conservation with AC, DC, or ambient light powered irrigation controllers without the use of complex ET (evapotranspiration) data or ET related service fees. Programming may consist of the operator entering a preliminary irrigation schedule, and entering the local zip code. The controller then periodically calculates a water budget by comparing current (non ET) local geo-environmental data with stored local geo-environmental data, and then modifies the preliminary schedule using the water budget. A number of embodiments are possible: stand-alone controllers with a temperature sensor attached directly to the microprocessor within that controller, or as a centrally placed CBM (Central Broadcast Module) which calculates a water budget percentage which is transmitted to one or more field controllers by wired or wireless means. Alternately, a TBM (Temperature Budget Module) that is separate from the controller is connected between the controller outputs and the valves, or mounted at the valves themselves. The TBM periodically calculates the ,water budget, monitors the controller outputs and adjusts the irrigation schedule based upon the water budget ratio. Because of its flexible capabilities with AC, DC, solar, or ambient light powered controllers, as a centrally broadcast water budget ratio in a wired or wireless configuration, or as an add-on to existing controllers or valves, its programming simplicity and close approximation to ET without its complications and cost, the present invention has the potential to save more water and minimize runoff than currently available ET methods.

A low cost system and method for retrofitting an existing control device to communicate wirelessly with one or more water-flow devices is provided. For example, an existing wired irrigation system may be adapted to allow wireless communication between a commercially available irrigation controller and commercially available water-flow devices, such as sprinkler valves. A wireless irrigation adapter receives control signals from an existing irrigation controller and transmits a wireless representation of the control signals. Water-flow devices may be coupled to one or more wireless receivers that receive the wireless representation of the control signals and operate the water-flow device(s) accordingly. The wireless irrigation receiver(s) listen(s) for the wireless control signals occasionally, thus reducing power consumption by the wireless receiver(s). This system and method may also wirelessly adapt control devices to irrigation that may never have been intended for that purpose when they were fabricated.

A drip irrigation line includes a plurality of emitter units secured within a water supply tube such that each emitter unit defines with the tube a flow-control passageway having an inlet port communicating with the interior of the water supply tube and an outlet port communicating with a water discharge opening in the water supply tube. Each emitter unit includes a one-way valve at one of the ports. Such port has an opening circumscribed by a cylindrical boss, and the one-way valve thereat includes a cap having a skirt of elastomeric material normally engaging the outer surface of the cylindrical boss to block reverse water flow into the flow-control passageway, but is deformable under water pressure to permit forward flow from the tube interior into the flow-control passageway.

A two-wire controlling and monitoring system for in particular irrigation of localized areas of soil according to a aspect of the invention comprises a water pipeline, a first plurality of controllable irrigation valves, a second plurality of field sensors measuring specific irrigation parameters, and a third plurality of localized irrigation control units. The third plurality of localized irrigation control units each comprises a sensor decoder connected to a specific field sensor of the second plurality of field sensors and / or a line decoder connected to a specific controllable irrigation valve of the first plurality of controllable irrigation valves. The two-wire controlling and monitoring system further comprises a controller and power supply unit having a set of schedules of instructions and supplying power by applying a first alternating DC voltage signal to a two-wire cable interconnecting the controller and power supply unit and the third plurality of localized irrigation control units. The two-wire cable provides the power from the controller and power supply unit to each of the third plurality of localized irrigation control units. The controller and power supply unit transmits the schedules of instructions to the third plurality of localized irrigation control units through the two-wire cable and receives the specific irrigation parameters from the third plurality of localized irrigation control units through the two-wire cable.

A wireless sensor system for providing irrigation control includes a multiple number of sensor nodes and a multiple number of actuator nodes. Each sensor node includes a wireless transceiver, a processor and a sensor device and provides sensor data. Each actuator node includes a wireless transceiver, a processor and an actuating circuit for driving at least one irrigation valve. In operation, a first sensor node communicates a message to a first actuator node through wireless communication. The message can contain sensor data or control commands. The first actuator node controls the at least one irrigation valve based on the message. Furthermore, the first sensor node can transmit messages to the first actuator node through other sensor or actuator nodes in the system where the other sensor or actuator nodes act as repeater for relaying the messages. The range of the wireless sensor system is thus extended.

Described herein are several embodiments relating to modular irrigation controllers. In many implementations, the irrigation controllers are modular in that various functional components of the irrigation controller are implemented in removable modules that when inserted into position within the controller, expand the capabilities of the controller. Also described are various different types of expansion modules that may be coupled to the modular controller, having as variety of functions and features, as well as related methods of use and configuration of these modules in the controller. In one implementation, an expansion module is provided that includes a microcontroller capable of sending and receiving data communications to and from the a main microcontroller of the controller that executed irrigation programs, the data communications relating to an irrigation program.

A processor is connected by a bus to a plurality of station modules, each station module being connected to a corresponding valve and having a micro-controller. The processor executes a stored watering program and controls the station modules in accordance with the program. Messages are bi-directionally sent and received over the bus that are generated by the processor and the micro-controllers. Each message contains an identification field with an instruction that describes a meaning of the message. The processor and the micro-controllers each interpret the messages received thereby and perform predetermined functions in response thereto.

A transplanting method of big camphor trees comprises selection of the big camphor trees, transplanting, transplanting transportation of trees, planting and planting management. Particularly, the angle of a planting sunny side cannot be deviated by over 10 degrees, root irrigation is performed by using ABT rooting powder, microorganism fertilizer, bactericide liquid chemical and the like which are used in backfill soil according to a fixed proportion, and 1-naphthylacetic acid alcohol water solution of 100-200ppm is used for irrigation after planting of the big camphor trees. The special technical processing of camphor transplanting is that 1-naphthylacetic acid auxin of 0.01-0.03% is added to used mud, the theory of a big wiping head and a big soil ball is adopted, 1-naphthylacetic acid rooting powder is added to the root portions during transplanting, leaves are picked instantly after planting, a blade surface agent is sprayed to new leaves, and originality is provided in the overwintering and antifreezing aspects. By means of the transplanting method, transplanting survival rate of the camphor trees with the tree age below 20 years is over 99%, and transplanting survival rate of the camphor trees with the tree age over 20 years is over 95%. The transplanting method of the big camphor trees can be suitable for transplanting of big trees and old trees under the conditions of other different altitudes, longitudes and latitudes, climate and the like.

Described herein are several embodiments relating to modular irrigation controllers. In many implementations, the irrigation controllers are modular in that various functional components of the irrigation controller are implemented in removable modules that when inserted into position within the controller, expand the capabilities of the controller. Also described are various different types of expansion modules that may be coupled to the modular controller, having as variety of functions and features, as well as related methods of use and configuration of these modules in the controller.

The present invention provides an irrigation control system in which a device (irrigation scheduler) automatically modifies irrigation schedules of installed irrigation controllers to affect irrigating of the landscape based on the water requirements of the landscape plants and comprises: providing an irrigation controller programmed to execute irrigations on watering days by closing an electrical circuit connecting the controller and at least one irrigation valve; providing an irrigation scheduler programmed to execute irrigations on substantially equivalent watering days as the irrigation controller; and the irrigation scheduler selectively interrupting the electrical circuit to control the execution of irrigations on watering days. Preferably the microprocessor uses either an ETo value or weather data used in calculating the ETo value to at least partially derive the improved irrigation schedule.

A system for controlling an irrigation system having a monitor for remotely monitoring and communicating irrigation related information in the system, a controller in communication with the monitoring means for receiving the information, processing the information to coding functional commands, and sending the information to the irrigation system, and a decoder in communication with the controller for decoding the coded signal at specific sites in the irrigation system and performing a function based upon the signal. A method for remotely controlling an irrigation system by providing the system with irrigation related information and remotely modulating the system based upon the irrigation related information. A software program for controlling an irrigation system, the program having a CPU for running the program and an algorithm for controlling the irrigation system.

An irrigation control system and method for controlling irrigation based on weather data. Weather data such as wind, temperature, solar radiation, humidity, and rainfall, may be collected at one or more weather stations for a region. The weather data may be compiled on a computer and transmitted to a paging broadcast service. The weather data may then be transmitted by the paging broadcast service to controller interfaces associated with irrigation systems throughout the region. The controller interfaces may adjust irrigation controllers associated with the irrigation systems based on the weather data such that the proper amount of water is applied. This allows the water to be used more efficiently and the health of the landscape to be improved.

An evapotranspiration (ET) unit includes a first communication link, a processor and a second communication link. The first communication link receives actual ET data from a plurality of environmental sensors. The processor calculates changes to a set of watering schedules of a predetermined watering program of a separate irrigation controller based on the actual ET data. The changes can increase or decrease the frequency and / or length of ON times for selected stations. The second communication link transmits the changes to the irrigation controller.

An irrigation controller includes a base unit with a removable and programmable control panel and backplane circuitry for communicating with a plurality of removable modules capable of performing a variety of irrigation and non-irrigation functions. A base module having irrigation station drivers is mated with the backplane circuitry and communicates with the base unit to carry out basic irrigation functions. A plurality of expansion modules and one or more smart modules, each having its own logic circuit, can be mated with the backplane circuitry to communicate with the base unit and carry out additional irrigation and non-irrigation functions.

An irrigation controller for selectively turning on and off a set of sprinkler valve stations. The irrigation controller is programmable by a user. The irrigation controller includes an irrigation control processor. The irrigation control processor includes an input port, an output port, a memory element for storing an irrigation control program and irrigation control parameters, the irrigation control program implementing a plurality of functionalities that are selectively enabled, a processing unit for executing the irrigation control program, and a bus connecting said processing unit to said memory element and to said input and output ports. An input device is interfaced with the input port. The output port is provided with interface with the sprinkler valve stations for controlling the turning on and off of the sprinkler valve stations. The input device cooperates with the control program to enable at least one specific functionality from the functionalities in response to a predetermined input being received from the user through the input device.

The present invention provides methods for water conservation with irrigation controllers based upon the ambient temperature and extraterrestrial radiation of a particular geographical area. It receives a preliminary irrigation schedule from the operator and computes a water budget ratio by comparing current local geo-environmental data with stored local geo-environmental data, then modifying the preliminary irrigation schedule based upon that ratio. The present invention utilizes fewer variables, is less complex, and is much easier to install and maintain than the current evapotranspiration-based controllers.

A centralized irrigation system provides decision-making or non-decision-making controllers in combination with a client server architecture that employs range-based irrigation algorithms for monitoring and control. Range-based control strategies determine a total volumetric water holding capacity for a volume of soil and a range of desirable soil moisture in a root zone, and compare a calculated root zone soil moisture to that range in order to determine the volume of water to be applied during an irrigation event. The system permits a shared-savings business model where the vendor provides a system and the customer only pays the vendor a portion of the savings obtained by using the system.

The invention provides a regulator system for regulating the operation of an irrigation system which is responsive to user programmed information. It has a control element for issuing watering control signals to an irrigation system, having at least one of (i) a duration programming device for programming a minimum amount of time and a maximum amount of time for the suspension of watering by the irrigation system, and (ii) a user adjustable temperature programming device for programming a minimum allowed temperature for initiating a watering period by the irrigation system. It further has an irrigation system interface for connecting said control element with the irrigation system. It also has a switch for conveying the control signals from the control element to the irrigation system via the irrigation system interface, for either permitting or prohibiting watering by the irrigation system, responsive to the control signals generated by and received from the control element.