Multi-zone sprinkler system with moisture sensors and configurable spray pattern

• US 7,168,632 B2
• Filed: 06/14/2005
• Issued: 01/30/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 06/14/2005
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Google LLC (Alphabet Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Lawrence Kates
• Inventors: Kates, Lawrence
• Primary Examiner(s): Shaver, Kevin
• Assistant Examiner(s): GORMAN, DARREN W
• Application Number:
  US11/152,037
• Publication Number:
  US 20060278728A1
• Time in Patent Office: 595 Days
• Field of Search: 239/69, 239/63, 239/67, 239/DIG.1, 239/DIG.15, 239/66, 239/70, 239/71, 239/64, 239/542, 137/78.3, 137/78.2, 700/284
• US Class Current: 239/69
• CPC Class Codes: A01G 25/167 Control by humidity of the soil itself or of devices simulating soil or of the atmosphere; Soil humidity sensors
• CPC Class Codes: Y02A 40/22 Improving land use; Improving water use or availability; Controlling erosion
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 239/01 Pattern sprinkler
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 239/15 Sprinkler systems with controls
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 137/189 Soil moisture sensing

Abstract

An irrigation system comprises sprinkler heads with an electrically configurable spray pattern, moisture sensors, and a controller. Based upon input signals from the moisture sensors, the controller dynamically configures the spray pattern of the sprinkler head to allow more water to fall on areas that need to be watered and less water to fall on areas that do not require additional water. The irrigation system can additionally comprise fire sensors. Based upon input from the fire sensors, the controller activates the sprinklers.

Claims

1. A sprinkler head comprising:

a configurable spray pattern;

wherein a computer obtains moisture data associated with the sprinkler head, said sprinkler head comprising a plurality of actuators forming a ring around the perimeter of said sprinkler head, each actuator controlling a port associated with the actuator;

wherein opening the port permits water to flow through the port and wherein the computer automatically controls the actuators to open selected ports to configure the configurable spray pattern based on the moisture data.

2. The sprinkler system of claim 1, wherein the actuators comprise solenoids.

3. The sprinkler system of claim 2, wherein the port is open when the solenoid is in an active state.

4. The sprinkler system of claim 2, wherein the port is open when the solenoid is in an inactive state.