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Modular and expandable irrigation controller

  • US 8,265,797 B2
  • Filed: 12/15/2009
  • Issued: 09/11/2012
  • Est. Priority Date: 12/23/2003
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. An irrigation control device comprising:

  • a modular irrigation controller comprising;

    a controller housing;

    a control unit within the controller housing and having a first microcontroller that is configured to execute stored irrigation programs; and

    a plurality of expansion module mounting locations within the controller housing and electrically coupled to the control unit, each of the plurality of expansion module mounting locations configured to removably receive different expansion modules having station output circuitry configured to control a plurality of irrigation valves;

    wherein the first microcontroller is configured to receive commands from and operate with the different expansion modules coupled to the expansion module mounting locations;

    at least a first expansion module comprising;

    a module housing configured to be removably mounted on the controller housing;

    an electrical connector coupled to the module housing and adapted to removably connect to one of the plurality of expansion module mounting locations at the controller housing;

    a second microcontroller within the module housing and coupled to the electrical connector; and

    a visual indicator mounted on the module housing and coupled to the second microcontroller, wherein at least a portion of the visual indicator is visible from outside of the module housing and indicates a status of the first expansion module.

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