Remotely controlled bypass for automatic watering system
First Claim
1. In an automatic irrigation system including a device for controlling periodic watering of a ground area by selectively delivering power to actuate a fluid valve, and a ground sensor electrically connected to override said periodic watering device, apparatus for bypassing said ground sensor comprising:
- a transmitter for receiving alternating current through said periodic device and for delivering power to a remote receiver;
said remote receiver including a first connection means for electrically connecting said receiver to said fluid valve through said ground sensor and a second connection means for electrically connecting said receiver directly to said fluid valve;
bypass means coupled to said transmitter for sensing a bypass signal to said transmitter;
said transmitter including converting means for converting alternating current received through said periodic device to pulsating direct current;
said converting means responsive to said bypass signal for converting said alternating current to direct current for a fixed time period; and
,said receiver including enabling means responsive to said direct current for enabling said second connection means to electrically connect said receiver directly to said fluid valve.
1 Assignment
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Accused Products
Abstract
An automatic irrigation system in which a plurality of zones of a ground area are periodically watered for a predetermined time in a predetermined sequence. Located within each zone is a ground moisture sensor that overrides the automatic irrigation system and prevents watering if the sensed ground moisture is at or above a chosen value. Apparatus is provided which, from a central location, can bypass the automatic irrigation system and the ground sensors. A central transmitter coupled to a plurality of remote receivers enables simultaneous or sequential watering of all zones by actuating the remotely located valves regardless of the sensed ground moisture level.
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Citations
13 Claims
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1. In an automatic irrigation system including a device for controlling periodic watering of a ground area by selectively delivering power to actuate a fluid valve, and a ground sensor electrically connected to override said periodic watering device, apparatus for bypassing said ground sensor comprising:
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a transmitter for receiving alternating current through said periodic device and for delivering power to a remote receiver; said remote receiver including a first connection means for electrically connecting said receiver to said fluid valve through said ground sensor and a second connection means for electrically connecting said receiver directly to said fluid valve; bypass means coupled to said transmitter for sensing a bypass signal to said transmitter; said transmitter including converting means for converting alternating current received through said periodic device to pulsating direct current; said converting means responsive to said bypass signal for converting said alternating current to direct current for a fixed time period; and
,said receiver including enabling means responsive to said direct current for enabling said second connection means to electrically connect said receiver directly to said fluid valve. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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8. In an automatic irrigation system for controlling the periodic watering of a plurality of zones of a ground area including a central timing device for selectively providing power to actuate a fluid valve in each zone in a predetermined sequence and for a predetermined duration and in which each valve is coupled to a ground sensor that prevents power from being provided to each associated valve if the moisture content of the ground in the associated zone is at or above a predetermined value, apparatus for providing power to all zones in said ground area independently of said predetermined sequence and for bypassing said ground sensor associated with each valve and providing power directly to each valve in each zone comprising:
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a plurality of remote receivers, each being located in one of said zones in proximity to a valve in each zone; each said remote receiver including a first connection means for electrically connecting said receiver to said fluid valve through said ground sensor and a second connection means for electrically connecting said receiver directly to said fluid valve; a central transmitter coupled to each of said remote receivers and to said central timing device for receiving alternating current through said central timing device and for delivering power to a remote receiver; bypass means coupled to said central transmitter for sending a bypass signal to said central transmitter; said central transmitter including converting means for converting alternating current received through said central timing device to pulsating direct current; said converting means responsive to said bypass signal for converting said alternating current to direct current for a fixed time period; said receiver including enabling means responsive to said direct current for enabling said second connection means to electrically connect said receiver directly to said fluid valve. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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Specification