Solar powered programmable valve and methods of operation thereof
First Claim
1. A method of user programming a solar powered sprinkler system comprising:
- (a) providing a sprinkler system controller having a display and being responsive to first and second magnetically sensitive switches, said sprinkler system controller, display, and magnetically sensitive switches being housed within an enclosure that is sealed against the intrusion of moisture;
(b) prompting messages on the display to operate the first and second magnetically sensitive switches, said switches being operated external to the enclosure; and
,(c) programming the sprinkler system controller for watering time of day and watering duration using the operation of the magnetically sensitive switches responsive to the messages.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Solar powered programmable valves and methods of programming thereof are disclosed. A controller for the valves is provided having one or more solar cells for charging a large capacitor or capacitors upon illumination, which provide energy storage for the continuous powering of a very low current single chip computer controller and for providing actuating power to a latching solenoid of a pilot operated valve. Programming of the microcontroller to cause the valve to operate at subsequent times as desired is accomplished by magnetically actuating, through the sealed controller case, "yes" and "no" reed switches in response to simple prompts presented on a display. The use of solar power eliminates the need for batteries, and together with the non-intrusive programming, allows the controller to be totally sealed and free of control switches, battery cases and the like which can allow moisture entry and premature failure of the controller. Typical methods of programming the controller are disclosed. Alternate embodiments including an embodiment for multiple valve control are disclosed.
57 Citations
23 Claims
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1. A method of user programming a solar powered sprinkler system comprising:
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(a) providing a sprinkler system controller having a display and being responsive to first and second magnetically sensitive switches, said sprinkler system controller, display, and magnetically sensitive switches being housed within an enclosure that is sealed against the intrusion of moisture; (b) prompting messages on the display to operate the first and second magnetically sensitive switches, said switches being operated external to the enclosure; and
,(c) programming the sprinkler system controller for watering time of day and watering duration using the operation of the magnetically sensitive switches responsive to the messages. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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5. A solar operated control comprising:
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a latching actuator; an enclosure sealed against the intrusion of moisture having; a solar panel for converting solar power incident thereto from outside the enclosure to electrical energy; a capacitor coupled to the solar panel for storing electrical energy from the solar panel; a microcontroller powered by the capacitor and coupled to the latching actuator to provide current pulses thereto to latch and unlatch the latching actuator; a display viewable from outside the enclosure, powered by the capacitor and responsive to the microcontroller to present prompts to a user; first and second magnetically sensitive switches coupled to the microcontroller; and a magnetic wand for actuating the first and second magnetically sensitive switches.
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15. A solar operated valve and control comprising:
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a valve; a latching actuator coupled to the valve for controlling the valve; an enclosure sealed against the intrusion of moisture having; a solar panel for converting solar power incident thereto from outside the enclosure to electrical energy; a capacitor coupled to the solar panel for storing electrical energy from the solar panel; a microcontroller powered by the capacitor and coupled to the latching actuator to provide current pulses thereto to latch and unlatch the latching actuator; a display viewable from outside the enclosure, powered by the capacitor and responsive to the microcontroller to present prompts to a user; first and second sensors coupled to the microcontroller and each responsive to the presence and the absence of a sensor stimulus outside the enclosure and adjacent the respective sensor; and a user operable device to controllably provide the sensor stimulus outside the enclosure and adjacent each of the sensors. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23)
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Specification