System for automated monitoring and maintenance of crops including computer control of irrigation and chemical delivery using multiple channel conduit

• US 6,874,707 B2
• Filed: 05/31/2001
• Issued: 04/05/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 05/31/2001
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Vineyard Investigations, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Terra Spase
• Inventors: Skinner, Paul
• Primary Examiner(s): Nguyen, Dinh Q.
• Application Number:
  US09/872,477
• Publication Number:
  US 20020183935A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,405 Days
• Field of Search: 239/542, 239/547, 239/549, 239/550, 239/551, 239/562, 239/69, 138/111, 138/116
• US Class Current: 239/542
• CPC Class Codes: A01G 17/02 Cultivation of hops or vines
• CPC Class Codes: A01G 22/05 Fruit crops, e.g. strawberries, tomatoes or cucumbers
• CPC Class Codes: A01G 25/02 Watering arrangements located above the soil which make use of perforated pipe-lines or pipe-lines with dispensing fittings, e.g. for drip irrigation
• CPC Class Codes: A01G 25/16 Control of watering
• CPC Class Codes: A01G 27/003 Controls for self-acting watering devices

Abstract

A system for automating the growing of crops, such as grapevines. Combinations of data from sensors local to a vineyard, and from optional remote stations and sensors, is combined with a control system to accurately control the dispensing of water and chemicals such as insecticides, disease prevention fungicides and fertilizers. The materials are dispensed through a multiple channel conduit which allows conflicting, or incompatible, types of materials to be transported through a common assembly. Sensors are attached to the conduit so that the placement of sensors can occur simultaneously with the laying of the conduit. This approach also ensures correct placement and spacing of the sensors with respect to each plant, or plant area, to be monitored and treated.

Claims

1. A conduit for dispensing two or more different liquid types to crops, the conduit comprising

a first channel for conveying a first liquid type;

a second channel for conveying a second liquid type;

a plurality of outlets spaced at intervals for dispensing the first and second liquid types;

a first set of capillary tubes coupled between the first channel and the outlets; and

a second set of capillary tubes coupled between the second channel and the outlets, wherein the capillary tubes provide for dispensing the liquid types to the crops without mixing of the liquid types prior to dispensing.

2. The conduit of claim 1, further comprising

a first capillary tube coupled between the first channel and a first outlet;

and

a second capillary tube coupled between the second channel and the first outlet.

3. The conduit of claim 1, further comprising

a valve for controlling the dispensing of a liquid type;

and

a computer coupled to the valve for automating control of the valve.

4. The conduit of claim 3, further comprising

a valve coupled between a tank and a channel.

5. The conduit of claim 3, further comprising

a valve coupled to a capillary channel.

6. The conduit of claim 1, wherein the conduit is a flexible tube containing the channels.

7. The conduit of claim 1, wherein a liquid type includes water.

8. The conduit of claim 1, wherein a liquid type includes a fungicide.

9. The conduit of claim 1, wherein a liquid type includes an insecticide.

10. The conduit of claim 1, wherein a liquid type includes a nutrient.

11. The conduit of claim 1, further comprising

a cavity within the conduit for conveying a liquid type, wherein liquid conveyed through the cavity is prevented from mixing with liquid types in the first and second channels.

12. The conduit of claim 1, further comprising

a cable running along the length of the conduit for providing control signals.

13. A conduit for conveying a first liquid type via a cavity within the conduit, the conduit comprising

a first channel within the cavity for conveying a second liquid type;

a second channel within the cavity for conveying a third liquid type, wherein the first, second and third liquid types are prevented from mixing within the conduit; and

a plurality of outlets positioned along the conduit for dispensing of the liquid types, wherein each outlet is coupled to the cavity and to the first and second channels so that the liquid types are dispensed through the outlets without mixing of the liquid types prior to dispensing.