Digital moisture monitor controller with wide applications soil, and hydroponics moisture sensors, and optional X10 multi-sensor, multi-pump controller

• US 7,363,112 B2
• Filed: 05/10/2004
• Issued: 04/22/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 05/10/2004
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Brent Arthur Cartwright
• Original Assignee: Brent Arthur Cartwright
• Inventors: Cartwright, Brent Arthur
• Primary Examiner(s): Picard; Leo
• Assistant Examiner(s): SHECHTMAN, SEAN P
• Application Number:
  US10/843,522
• Publication Number:
  US 20050240313A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,443 Days
• Field of Search: 700282-284, 702 45- 49, 702/55, 239/1, 73/11.6, 137/2
• US Class Current: 700/284
• 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: A01G 31/02 Special apparatus therefor self-acting watering devices A01G27/00
• CPC Class Codes: G05D 22/02 characterised by the use of electric means
• CPC Class Codes: Y02P 60/21 Dinitrogen oxide [N2O], e.g. using aquaponics, hydroponics or efficiency measures
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 137/0324 With control of flow by a condition or characteristic of a fluid

Abstract

Utilizing the latest microprocessor technology, the digital moisture monitor controller along with its wide applications alternating current conduction moisture sensors and optional X10 multi sensor multi pump controller, controls moisture levels in all soils and all of today'"'"'s hydroponics mediums.

Claims

1. A digital moisture controlling system comprising:

a medium chamber for containing at least a hydroponics porous medium;

a moisture chamber containing a liquid;

a pumping apparatus and conduit for conducting liquid from the moisture chamber to the medium chamber;

a first moisture sensor placed within the medium; and

a second moisture sensor positioned outside of and beneath the chambers for detecting a flood state;

wherein the first moisture sensor measures the level of moisture in the porous medium by providing two electrodes with a porous element positioned between the electrodes transferring energy between the electrodes and through the porous element at a rate determined by the moisture content of the medium and the controller maintains the moisture content of the medium by comparing a sensor input from the first sensor with a preset moisture level and if the moisture level is below the preset amount the controller signals the pumping apparatus to pump liquid from the liquid chamber to the medium chamber until the preset moisture level is reached and the second moisture sensor overrides the first sensor when a flood condition is detected.

2. The controlling system of claim 1 wherein the moisture content is between 0 and 100 percent, 0 representing no moisture present and 100 representing complete moisture saturation of the medium and the preset moisture level is between 0-100 percent.

3. The controlling system of claim 1 including a third dual moisture sensor capable of detecting moisture in both a soil medium and a hydroponics medium including at least two insulated aluminum rods for means of transferring energy between probe tips of the rods at a rate determined by the moisture content of the medium and the controller also receives sensor input from the third sensor when maintaining the preset moisture level.

4. The digital moisture controlling system of claim 1 wherein said second sensor includes an array of printed circuit board etches adapted for placement with a flooring surface whereby energy is transferred between said etches as a result of wet flooring thereby detecting a flood state.

5. The digital moisture controlling system of claim 1 wherein sensor connection with the medium is accomplished by inserting the sensor to preferred root zone.

6. The digital moisture controlling system of claim 1 wherein the medium includes at least one of soil, rockwool or clay pellets.