Programmable sprinkler system
First Claim
1. A programmable sprinkler system comprising, in combination:
- (a) first overhead rail means;
(b) pipe means adapted to be coupled to a source of water under pressure, said pipe means having a plurality of water valve means disposed at discrete intervals along its length and extending outwardly therefrom, said pipe means being disposed proximate said first rail means and parallel thereto;
(c) a source of electrical power disposed proximate to and generally parallel with said first rail means extending essentially the entire length thereof;
(d) a plurality of second overhead rail means, each one of said plurality of second rail means having one end thereof disposed proximate said first rail means and each said valve means, the other end of each said second rail means extending away from said first rail means defining a path along which said water is to be dispensed;
(e) carrier means disposed on said first rail means, said carrier means including;
(i) first moving means for moving along said first rail means,(ii) first coupling means for coupling to said source of electrical power, and(iii) means for coupling to each said water valve means, and(f) detachable car means, said car means being disposed upon said carrier means and including;
(i) second coupling means for coupling to said source of electrical power,(ii) second moving means for moving said car means along each said second rail means,(iii) means for dispensing said water,(iv) means for providing a continuous water flow path to said dispensing means, said continuous water flow path means being connected between said water valve coupling means and said water dispensing means, and(v) driving means connected to said second coupling means; and
(g) programmable means coupled to said car means for determining the amount of said water to be dispensed along each said path defined by each said plurality of rail means.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A programmable sprinkler system ideally suited for use in an enclosure such as a nursery and/or arboretum includes a first overhead rail and a water pipe connected to a pressurized source of water. The water pipe is provided with a plurality of water valves placed at discreet intervals along its length and extend outwardly therefrom and is positioned alongside and close to the first overhead rail and parallel thereto. A source of electrical power is positioned close to and generally parallel with the first rail on the other side thereof and extends essentially its entire length. A plurality of second overhead rails have one end of each positioned near the valves and the first rail and extends outwardly therefrom, preferably at right angles thereto, defining a path along which the water is to be dispensed. A carrier mechanism rests on the first rail. Nested upon the carrier mechanism is a detachable car that includes a second coupling device to bring electrical power to it. The car also includes a plurality of water dispensing heads, a mating coupling for the valves on the water pipe, and a hose for carrying the water from the valve along the full length of the second rail in order to dispense water along the path provided by the second rail. Reflective devices together with a light source provide an electrical signal which controls the amount of water to be dispensed and the speed that the car and carrier are to move along the first and second rails, respectively. These signals are coupled to the programmable computer which is located in the detachable car.
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Citations
18 Claims
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1. A programmable sprinkler system comprising, in combination:
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(a) first overhead rail means; (b) pipe means adapted to be coupled to a source of water under pressure, said pipe means having a plurality of water valve means disposed at discrete intervals along its length and extending outwardly therefrom, said pipe means being disposed proximate said first rail means and parallel thereto; (c) a source of electrical power disposed proximate to and generally parallel with said first rail means extending essentially the entire length thereof; (d) a plurality of second overhead rail means, each one of said plurality of second rail means having one end thereof disposed proximate said first rail means and each said valve means, the other end of each said second rail means extending away from said first rail means defining a path along which said water is to be dispensed; (e) carrier means disposed on said first rail means, said carrier means including; (i) first moving means for moving along said first rail means, (ii) first coupling means for coupling to said source of electrical power, and (iii) means for coupling to each said water valve means, and (f) detachable car means, said car means being disposed upon said carrier means and including; (i) second coupling means for coupling to said source of electrical power, (ii) second moving means for moving said car means along each said second rail means, (iii) means for dispensing said water, (iv) means for providing a continuous water flow path to said dispensing means, said continuous water flow path means being connected between said water valve coupling means and said water dispensing means, and (v) driving means connected to said second coupling means; and (g) programmable means coupled to said car means for determining the amount of said water to be dispensed along each said path defined by each said plurality of rail means. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
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18. A programmable spraying system comprising:
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rail means; car means movable along said rail means; moving means operatively connected to said car means for moving said car means along said rail means; fluid delivery means, extending between said car means and a source of fluid under pressure, for supplying to said car means a fluid under pressure; electrical power supply means operatively connected to said car means for supplying electrical power to said car means and said moving means; fluid dispensing means carried by said car means and connected to said fluid delivery means for dispensing fluid received from said fluid delivery means; input means, disposed along a path defined by said rail means, for providing instructions as to an amount of said fluid to be delivered to an area along said path; sensor means on said car means for detecting said instructions during motion of said car means along said rail means; and programmable means operatively coupled to said sensor means and said car means for varying, while said car means moves along said rail means, the amount of said fluid to be dispensed along said path so that said area receives said amount of said fluid during passage of said car means along said path past said area. .Iaddend. .Iadd.19. A programmable spraying system according to claim 18, further comprising control means for controlling the rate of movement of said car means along said rail means, said programmable means being operatively connected to said control means for inducing said control means to change the rate of movement of said car means to vary rate at which said fluid is dispensed. .Iaddend. .Iadd.20. A programmable spraying system according to claim 18 wherein said input means includes reflective means. .Iaddend.
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Specification