Irrigation control system
First Claim
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1. An irrigation control system comprising:
- clock means for producing a clock output signal at predetermined time intervals;
resettable switch means connected to said clock means for producing an actuating signal in response to said clock output signal;
computing means for processing an input signal and producing an output signal for controlling an irrigation cycle, said computing means having a halt input connected to said switch means for receiving said actuating signal therefrom to actuate said computing means from a powered quiescent condition to perform a predetermined logic sequence, said switch means including a first type D flip-flop having a clock terminal connected to said clock means to receive said clock output signal therefrom and a second D flip-flop having a reset terminal connected to a Q output of said first flip-flop, the Q output of said second flip-flop being connected to said halt input, whereby said clock output signal results in application of an actuating signal to said input for actuating said computing means; and
valve means connected to said computing means and controlled thereby for regulating fluid flow for said irrigation cycle.
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Abstract
An irrigation control system is provided which includes circuitry for minimizing electrical power consumption to permit battery-powered operation. The system also includes a microcomputer which is in a quiescent mode except when actuated by a rising edge of a clock signal which has been processed by two type C flip-flops. The microcomputer is programmed to drive a display and to control a valve which includes a bi-stable solenoid for controlling an irrigation cycle.
84 Citations
11 Claims
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1. An irrigation control system comprising:
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clock means for producing a clock output signal at predetermined time intervals; resettable switch means connected to said clock means for producing an actuating signal in response to said clock output signal; computing means for processing an input signal and producing an output signal for controlling an irrigation cycle, said computing means having a halt input connected to said switch means for receiving said actuating signal therefrom to actuate said computing means from a powered quiescent condition to perform a predetermined logic sequence, said switch means including a first type D flip-flop having a clock terminal connected to said clock means to receive said clock output signal therefrom and a second D flip-flop having a reset terminal connected to a Q output of said first flip-flop, the Q output of said second flip-flop being connected to said halt input, whereby said clock output signal results in application of an actuating signal to said input for actuating said computing means; and valve means connected to said computing means and controlled thereby for regulating fluid flow for said irrigation cycle. - View Dependent Claims (2, 8)
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3. An irrigation control system comprising:
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clock means for producing a clock output signal at predetermined time intervals; resettable switch means connected to said clock means for producing an actuating signal in response to said clock output signal; computing means for processing an input signal and producing an output signal for controlling an irrigation cycle, said computing means having a halt input connected to said switch means for receiving said actuating signal therefrom to actuate said computing means from a powered quiescent condition to perform a predetermined logic sequence; valve means connected to said computing means and controlled thereby for regulating fluid flow for said irrigation cycle, said valve means including actuator means capable of being actuated between first and second positions to open and close said valve, said actuator means being selectively operable between said positions by application of valve control signals from said computing means to said actuator means said actuator means further including a bistable solenoid which includes an ON input and OFF input and a center input; means for supplying electrical energy to said irrigation control system; a first transistor having the base thereof connected to said computing means for receiving a first valve control signal therefrom, said first transistor having the collector thereof connected to said means for supplying electrical energy, said first transistor being nonconductive in the absence of said first valve control signal; a second transistor having the base thereof connected to the emitter of said first transistor and having the collector thereof connected to said OFF input for supplying a signal thereto for placing said bistable solenoid in said OFF position; a third transistor having the base thereof connected to said computing means for receiving a second valve control signal therefrom, said third transistor having the collector thereof connected to said means for supplying electrical energy, said third transistor being nonconductive in the absence of said second valve control signal; and a fourth transistor having the base thereof connected to the emitter of the third transistor and having the collector thereof connected to said ON input for supplying a signal thereto for placing said bistable solenoid in said ON position. - View Dependent Claims (4, 5, 6, 7)
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9. An irrigation control system comprising:
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computing means for processing an input signal and producing an output signal for controlling an irrigation cycle; means for supplying electrical power to said computing means; valve means connected to said computing means and controlled thereby for regulating fluid flow for said irrigation cycle; and means for selectively actuating said computing means to reduce consumption of electrical power thereby, said means including an oscillator for providing a clock signal having a predetermined frequency, a first type D flip-flop having a clock input terminal connected to said oscillator to receive said clock signal therefrom, and a second type D flip-flop having a reset input terminal connected to a Q output of said first flip-flop, the Q output of said second flip-flop being connected to said computing means for supplying an actuating signal thereto for causing said computing means to perform a predetermined logic sequence for controlling said irrigation cycle. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11)
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Specification