SPRINKLER CONTROL MODULE

• US 20140339326A1
• Filed: 05/15/2013
• Published: 11/20/2014
• Est. Priority Date: 05/15/2013
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Paul Salsberg
• Original Assignee: Paul Salsberg
• Inventors: Salsberg, Paul
• Granted Patent: US 9,332,696 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 239/63
• CPC Class Codes: A01G 25/167 Control by humidity of the soil itself or of devices simulating soil or of the atmosphere; Soil humidity sensors
• CPC Class Codes: B05B 12/12 responsive to conditions of ambient medium or target, e.g. humidity, temperature position or movement of the target relative to the spray apparatus B05B12/082, B05B12/084 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: F03B 13/00 Adaptations of machines or engines for special use; Combinations of machines or engines with driving or driven apparatus if the apparatus aspects are predominant, see the relevant subclasses for such apparatus, e.g. H02K7/18; Power stations or aggregates incorporating only machines or engines of positive-displacement type F03C; hydraulic engineering aspects E02B; combinations with wind energy converters F03D9/008
• CPC Class Codes: F05B 2220/20 within closed fluid conduits, e.g. pipes
• CPC Class Codes: F05B 2220/602 with energy recovery turbines
• CPC Class Codes: F05B 2250/72 symmetric
• CPC Class Codes: Y02B 10/50 Hydropower in dwellings
• CPC Class Codes: Y02P 60/12 using renewable energies, e.g. solar water pumping

Abstract

Sprinkler control units, that are designed to control water usage in residential and commercial above ground sprinkler systems, are disclosed herein. The sprinkler control units operate with any above-ground sprinkler system. They require reduced external power, and use the water flowing through the device to generate power. and are powered by the water flowing through the module. The modules are built with buried sensors that measure the ground saturation level, thus altering the water supply provided through the sprinkler system(s).

Claims

1. A water sprinkler control irrigation unit (The unit)comprising:

A. Apparatuses for measuring water content in the ground, referred to as “

sensors”

B. The “

body”

of the water sprinkler irrigation control unit, comprising

i. The frame, a box containing components ii-vii

ii. An opening for water to flow into the body (Water inlet)

iii. An opening for water to flow out of the body (Water outlet)

iv. A channel for water to flow between the water inlet and water outlet

v. A means for generating electrical power through the flow of water through the channel

vi. A means for stopping the flow of water through the channel

vii. A control system by which the means for stopping the flow of water through the channel can be controlled.

C. Two or more structures, or “

legs”

for affixing the sensors to the body of the water sprinkler irrigation control unit, so that the sensors are partially or fully buried in the ground, and the body of the unit is above the ground.

2. The device of claim 1 where the control system is electronic in nature.

3. The device of claim 1 where the means for generating electrical power through the flow of water through the channel comprises i. One or more turbines, positioned such that the water flowing through the channel causes the turbine(s) to spin, and (ii) one or more electrical generators coupled to the turbine.

4. The device of claim 3 where the turbines and generator have magnets affixed to them, and the magnets affixed to the turbines cause the magnets affixed to the generator to move as they spin.

5. The device of claim 1 where the means for stopping the flow of water through the channel comprises a valve, a coil spring which turns the valve, and a handle for the valve which is placed on the exterior of the body.

6. The device of claim 1, further comprising a means for fastening a hose to the water inlet.

7. The device of claim 1, further comprising a means for fastening a hose to the water outlet.

8. The device of claim 1, where the water inlet is circular.

9. The device of claim 1, where the water outlet is circular.

10. The device of claim 1, further comprising that the number of legs is four.

11. The device of claim 1, further comprising that the frame is made out of plastic.

12. The unit of claim 1 where the opening for water to flow out of the unit is designed for a garden hose to be fastened to it.

13. A water sprinkler control irrigation unit (The unit)comprising:

A. Apparatuses for measuring water content in the ground, referred to as “

sensors”

B. Two or more structures, or “

legs”

for affixing the sensors to the body of the water sprinkler irrigation control unit, so that the sensors are partially or fully buried in the ground, and the body of the unit is above the ground.

C. The “

body”

of the water sprinkler irrigation control unit, comprising

viii. The frame, a box containing components ii-vii

ix. An opening for water to flow into the body (Water inlet)

x. An opening for water to flow out of the body (Water outlet)

xi. A channel for water to flow between the water inlet and water outlet

xii. A battery to provide electrical power to the unit

xiii. A means for stopping the flow of water through the channel

xiv. A control system by which the means for stopping the flow of water through the channel can be controlled.

14. The device of claim 13 where the control system is electronic in nature.

15. The device of claim 13 where the means for stopping the flow of water through the channel comprises a valve, a coil spring which turns the valve, and a handle for the valve which is placed on the exterior of the body.

16. The device of claim 13, further comprising a means for fastening a hose to the water inlet.

17. The device of claim 13, further comprising a means for fastening a hose to the water outlet.

18. The device of claim 13, where the water inlet is circular.

19. The device of claim 13, where the water outlet is circular.

20. The device of claim 13, further comprising that the number of legs is four.

21. The device of claim 13, further comprising that the frame is made out of plastic.

22. The device of claim 13, further comprising that the number of legs is two.