Irrigation signaling device
First Claim
1. A device for signaling a predetermined soil moisture condition, the device comprising:
- a switching tensiometer that closes a switch when the moisture content of the soil reaches a predetermined level;
a power source connected to the switching tensiometer; and
a signal comprising a signal flag operable between a retracted position and an extended signal position, the flag being resiliently biased to its extended signal position, a latch for releasably securing the flag in its retracted position, and a release electrically connected to the switching tensiometer so that when the predetermined level is reached and the switching tensiometer closes the switch, the power source is connected to the release to release the latch and allow the signal flag to operate to its extended signal position.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A device for signaling a predetermined soil moisture condition includes a switching tensiometer that closes a switch when the root water tension reaches a predetermined level; a power source connected to the switching tensiometer; and a signal connected to the switching tensiometer so that when the switching tensiometer closes the switch, power source is connected to the signal operate the signal to indicate that the predetermined soil moisture condition has been reached. The signal preferably includes a spring-loaded flag that operates between a retracted position and an extended signal position; a latch for releasably securing the flag in its retracted position, and an electrically operated release that releases the latch to allow the flag to operate to its extended signal position.
-
Citations
13 Claims
-
1. A device for signaling a predetermined soil moisture condition, the device comprising:
-
a switching tensiometer that closes a switch when the moisture content of the soil reaches a predetermined level; a power source connected to the switching tensiometer; and a signal comprising a signal flag operable between a retracted position and an extended signal position, the flag being resiliently biased to its extended signal position, a latch for releasably securing the flag in its retracted position, and a release electrically connected to the switching tensiometer so that when the predetermined level is reached and the switching tensiometer closes the switch, the power source is connected to the release to release the latch and allow the signal flag to operate to its extended signal position. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5)
-
-
6. A device for signaling a predetermined soil moisture condition, the device comprising:
-
a switching tensiometer that closes a switch when the moisture content of the soil reaches a predetermined level; a power source, including at least one battery, connected to the switching tensiometer; and a signal comprising a signal flag operable between a retracted position and an extended signal position, and resiliently biased to its extended signal position;
a latch for releasably securing the flag in its retracted position; and
a release including an electric motor that releases the latch, the electric motor being electrically connected to the switching tensiometer so that when the predetermined level is reached and the switching tensiometer closes the switch, the power source is connected to the electric motor to cause it to release the latch and allow the signal flag to operate to its extended signal position. - View Dependent Claims (7, 8)
-
-
9. A device for signaling a predetermined soil moisture condition, the device comprising:
-
a switching tensiometer that closes a switch when the moisture content of the soil reaches a predetermined level; a power source, including at least one battery, connected to the switching tensiometer; and a signal comprising a signal flag operable between a retracted position and an extended signal position, and biased to its extended signal position;
a latch for releasably securing the flag in its retracted position; and
a release including an electric motor that releases the latch, the electric motor being electrically connected to the switching tensiometer so that when the predetermined level is reached and the switching tensiometer closes the switch, the power source is connected to the electric motor to cause it to release the latch and allow the signal flag to operate to its extended signal position. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13)
-
Specification