Automated Plant Irrigation Method and System using Weight and Leak Sensors
First Claim
1. A system for watering a plant, comprising:
- a base adapted for receiving said plant, said base having a scale engaged with a surface thereof;
a spout coupled to a water supply for directing water into said plant;
a control for manually controlling said water; and
a liquid capacitance sensor disposed on said surface of said base;
wherein, upon said liquid capacitance sensor detecting liquid, said spout stops dispensing liquid from said water supply.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Embodiments of the disclosed technology are directed to methods, systems, and/or apparatuses for monitoring and maintaining hydration levels in plants. The technology employs a base onto which a plant is placed. The base may have a built-in scale, as well as a spout for dispensing water. The spout may be coupled to a water supply via a pump. The scale may be coupled to a processor used to weigh the plant, detect fluctuations in weight, and/or to initiate/cease dispensing of water to the plant based on detected parameters. A leak sensor may also be incorporated into the spout for cutting off the water supply upon detection of possible over-watering. The base may also have an input for facilitating user control over the irrigation frequency and dosage.
30 Citations
13 Claims
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1. A system for watering a plant, comprising:
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a base adapted for receiving said plant, said base having a scale engaged with a surface thereof; a spout coupled to a water supply for directing water into said plant; a control for manually controlling said water; and a liquid capacitance sensor disposed on said surface of said base; wherein, upon said liquid capacitance sensor detecting liquid, said spout stops dispensing liquid from said water supply. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4)
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5. A method of watering a plant comprising:
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receiving a sufficiently watered plant on a base, said base having an electronic scale incorporated therein; measuring and storing an initial weight of said sufficiently watered plant; detecting a reduction of weight of said plant; dispensing water onto said plant; and ceasing said dispensing of water upon detecting that said plant has reached at least said initial weight. - View Dependent Claims (6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. A method of watering a plant comprising:
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receiving a plant on a base, said base having a spout and scale; measuring an initial weight of said plant; directing an amount of water into said plant, said amount of water being equal in weight to 25% of said initial weight of said plant; re-measuring a new weight of said plant and comparing said new weight to 125% of said initial weight; and dosing water to said plant until said new weight is greater than, or equal to, 125% of said initial weight. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13)
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Specification