Computer controlled irrigation and environment management system
First Claim
Patent Images
1. In a water distribution network comprising a water source and at least one watering zone, a programmable water management distribution system comprising:
- a) a meter device for measuring water flow interposed between said water source and said water distribution network;
b) at least one valve downstream from said meter device which operates to provide water to said water distribution network; and
c) a programable controller connected to said valve, said controller operating to open and close said valve in accordance with a predetermined schedule and wherein said controller is responsive to flow measurements of said meter device.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
The present invention relates to an adaptable controller for controlling environmental systems, and more particularly to an improved computer-controlled irrigation and lighting system. Scheduling is selected using a unique graphical user interface and is transmitted to the controller remotely. Sensing devices for water flow to determine leaks and calculate usage using venturi are provided which communicate with the controller to adjust output in real time based on the measurements.
288 Citations
18 Claims
-
1. In a water distribution network comprising a water source and at least one watering zone, a programmable water management distribution system comprising:
-
a) a meter device for measuring water flow interposed between said water source and said water distribution network;
b) at least one valve downstream from said meter device which operates to provide water to said water distribution network; and
c) a programable controller connected to said valve, said controller operating to open and close said valve in accordance with a predetermined schedule and wherein said controller is responsive to flow measurements of said meter device. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
-
-
13. A programmable controller for controlling activation of an irrigation system comprising:
-
memory device for storing scheduling information for said irrigation system, said scheduling information provided by remote programming means;
electrical circuitry for interfacing with and activating at least one irrigation valve for controlling water flow therethrough;
processor unit for signaling said electrical circuitry to activate said irrigation valve based upon said scheduling information; and
sensor device for detecting flow measurements of said irrigation system and providing said flow measurements to said processor unit to allow adjustments to or overriding of said scheduling information based on said measurements. - View Dependent Claims (14)
-
-
15. A method of controlling a water management distribution system comprising a programmable remote system connected to a controller of a water distribution network, comprising the following steps:
-
a) receiving a watering schedule in said remote system;
b) transmitting said watering schedule to said controller;
c) controlling said distribution system in accordance with said schedule; and
d) real-time adjusting of said watering schedule by said controller based on external inputs to said controller. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17)
-
-
18. An automatic shut-off system for a water supply line comprising:
-
a) a valve for opening and closing said water line;
b) control means for controlling said valve;
c) a venturi tube disposed within said water line having sensors for sensing a pressure change in said water line cause by flow in said water line;
d) means for sending a signal from said sensors to said control means indicative of flow;
e) means for comparing said signal with a preset limit;
f) means for selectively closing said valve should said signal exceed said preset limit.
-
Specification