Systems, user interfaces, and methods related to irrigation control systems are provided herein. In some embodiments, an irrigation control system includes an irrigation management application which, when executed by an electronic device, causes a user interface to be displayed to a user. The user interface includes features that permit a user to do one or more of configure, monitor, program, control, adjust various components and/or operations of the irrigation management system.
G06F 3/04817 - Interaction techniques based on graphical user interfaces [GUI] based on specific properties of the displayed interaction object or a metaphor-based environment, e.g. interaction with desktop elements like windows or icons, or assisted by a cursor's changing behaviour or appearance using icons
G06F 3/0482 - Interaction with lists of selectable items, e.g. menus
G06F 3/04845 - Interaction techniques based on graphical user interfaces [GUI] for the control of specific functions or operations, e.g. selecting or manipulating an object, an image or a displayed text element, setting a parameter value or selecting a range for image manipulation, e.g. dragging, rotation, expansion or change of colour
In some embodiments, apparatuses and methods are provided herein useful to use with irrigation devices connected to a multi-wire path in an irrigation system. In some embodiments, an irrigation management system includes an irrigation management application which, when executed by an electronic device, causes a user interface to be displayed to a user. The user interface includes features that permit a user to do one or more of configure, monitor, program, control, adjust various aspects of the irrigation management system. For example, the user interface displays decoder addresses assigned to irrigation stations and permits the user to manipulate various aspects of decoder address assignments to the irrigation stations and to perform various diagnostics and/or troubleshooting in connection with the decoders assigned to the irrigation stations.
In some embodiments, apparatuses and methods are provided herein useful to manage a power output of an irrigation controller. In some embodiments, irrigation controller is provided that includes an AC to DC converter configured to convert an input AC signal into a DC voltage; a control circuit to generate a PWM signal; a signal generator to generate, based on the DC voltage and the PWM signal, an output signal. In some embodiments, the output signal is a multi-stage output signal having a first stage sufficient to cause actuation of a non-latching solenoid-actuated valve to an open position and a second stage to maintain the open position. A plurality of switches switch the output signal to station output connectors which are to be connected to a respective non-latching solenoid actuated valve.
Some embodiments provide an irrigation controller comprising: a signal generator configured to receive a DC voltage and comprising sets of switching elements, wherein one set of the sets of switching elements corresponds to a common line output of the irrigation controller and remaining sets of switching elements correspond to station outputs of the irrigation controller, wherein each set of switching elements is configured to generate an output alternating waveform signal; and a control circuit configured to: output sets of control signals to the sets of switching elements, each set of control signals drives a respective set of switching elements to control characteristics of a respective output alternating waveform signal to be generated by the respective set of switching elements; and control an application of the output alternating waveform signals to a respective common line output connector and respective station output connectors.
In some embodiments, apparatuses and methods are provided herein useful to use with irrigation devices connected to a multi-wire path in an irrigation system. In some embodiments, there is provided a system for use with irrigation devices including a control circuit and an application including computer program code configured to be executed by the control circuit to perform steps. The steps includes obtaining a listing of unique addresses not already assigned to irrigation zones, each unique address corresponding to a respective one of the irrigation devices, the irrigation devices connected to the multi-wire path of the irrigation system; and assigning each unique address of the listing of unique addresses to irrigation zones.
In some embodiments, systems and methods provide an irrigation controller comprising: a microcontroller; a modulator; a plurality of switches; and a plurality of two-wire path output connectors each coupled to a corresponding one of the plurality of switches. Each of the plurality of two-wire path output connectors is configured to be connected to a corresponding two-wire path of a plurality of two-wire paths to which multiple decoder-based irrigation control units can be connected and controlled, the decoder-based irrigation control units being configured to receive the modulated power signals from the corresponding two-wire path. The microcontroller is further configured to operate the plurality of switches to couple and decouple the modulated power signals from the output of the modulator to one or more of the plurality of two-wire path output connectors.
In some embodiments, apparatuses and methods are provided herein useful to providing power and data to an irrigation device. In some embodiments, encoder for an irrigation control unit that provides power and data to an irrigation device over a multi-wire path comprises: an AC to DC converter to convert an input AC signal into a DC voltage; an AC signal generator to generate an output AC signal modulated with data; a control circuit to provide a modulation control signal to the AC signal generator to control generation and modulation of the output AC signal, the data modulated on the output AC signal comprising commands in accordance with irrigation programming; and a multi-wire interface coupled to the AC signal generator to electrically couple to a multi-wire path extending into a landscape and to which irrigation devices may be connected.
Some embodiments provide systems for use in controlling irrigation, comprising: an irrigation controller configured to couple with one or more valves at a site and to control activation and deactivation of the one or more valves in accordance with an irrigation schedule stored in the irrigation controller; a wireless adapter directly communicationally coupled through a direct wired connection with the irrigation controller; and a network adapter wirelessly coupled over a point-to-point wireless communication path with the wireless adapter, wherein the network adapter is configured to further couple through a direct wired connection with a local router configured to provide communication over a distributed network to a remote server; wherein the wireless adapter is configured to poll the irrigation controller to acquire and locally store status information; and the wireless adapter is configured to communicate, over the point-to-point wireless channel, the status information to the server.
An irrigation control device comprises a coil adapted to develop an electromagnetic flux sufficient to cause actuation of irrigation equipment. Control circuitry is electrically coupled to the coil to receive control signals from an irrigation control unit and to control the flux at the coil. A housing covers at least a portion of both the coil and the control circuitry, the housing including a threaded end configured to thread the irrigation control device to a valve assembly to be actuated by the electromagnetic flux of the coil.
Some embodiments provide methods and systems of controlling irrigation. Some of these systems comprise: a connector of a controller interface (CI) coupled with an irrigation controller, wherein the connector is configured to receive a valve activation signal activated by the irrigation controller; a user interface of the CI; a processor of the CI configured to obtain valve transceiver (VT) programming with VT programming being received from inputs through the user interface, determine a station identifier, and identify as defined in the VT programming a remote valve associated with the station identifier and controlled by a remote VT; and a wireless transceiver configured to wirelessly transmit a wireless activation signal configured to be wirelessly received by the VT controlling the valve associated by the VT programming with the station identifier such that the VT is configured to control an actuator to actuate the valve.
G05B 19/042 - Programme control other than numerical control, i.e. in sequence controllers or logic controllers using digital processors
H04W 4/80 - Services using short range communication, e.g. near-field communication [NFC], radio-frequency identification [RFID] or low energy communication
11.
Methods And Apparatus For Checking Emitter Bonds In An Irrigation Drip Line
Methods and apparatus for checking emitter bonds in an irrigation drip line and for manufacturing drip line in a manner that allows the bond between the in-line emitter and surrounding conduit to be checked. In one form, a downstream in-line vacuum tester is provided for monitoring the amount of air escaping from outlet openings in the drip line to detect excessive air associated with poorly bonded emitters.
G01M 3/28 - Investigating fluid tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum by measuring rate of loss or gain of fluid, e.g. by pressure-responsive devices, by flow detectors for pipes, cables, or tubesInvestigating fluid tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum by measuring rate of loss or gain of fluid, e.g. by pressure-responsive devices, by flow detectors for pipe joints or sealsInvestigating fluid tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum by measuring rate of loss or gain of fluid, e.g. by pressure-responsive devices, by flow detectors for valves
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
G01M 3/04 - Investigating fluid tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum by detecting the presence of fluid at the leakage point
G01M 3/06 - Investigating fluid tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum by detecting the presence of fluid at the leakage point by observing bubbles in a liquid pool
G01M 3/26 - Investigating fluid tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum by measuring rate of loss or gain of fluid, e.g. by pressure-responsive devices, by flow detectors
12.
IRRIGATION CONTROL BASED ON A USER ENTERED NUMBER OF WATERING PASSES
In some embodiments, a system for controlling irrigation comprises an irrigation control unit comprising: an input configured to receive a user entered number of watering passes for a rotary sprinkler configured to repetitively rotate about an arc and irrigate an area of an irrigation site, wherein each rotation about the arc comprises a watering pass; a memory to store the number of watering passes and arc rotation data for the rotary sprinkler corresponding to a time duration for the rotary sprinkler to make the watering pass about the arc; and a control circuit configured to: receive the number of watering passes; receive the arc rotation data; determine a run time that will result in irrigation by the rotary sprinkler about the arc for the user entered number of passes; and store the run time.
The present embodiments provide systems, processes and/or methods of controlling irrigation. In some embodiments, methods are provided that receive (4112) water usage information corresponding to a first volumetric water usage at a site location having an irrigation controller (130), wherein the first volumetric water usage corresponds to volumetric water usage from a beginning of a budget period of time to a first time within the budget period of time; determine (4114) automatically whether a volumetric water budget at the site location will be met for the budget period of time based on at least the first volumetric water usage, the volumetric water budget corresponding to a specified volume of water for use during the budget period of time; determine (4116) automatically, in the event the volumetric water budget will not be met, an adjustment to the irrigation by the irrigation controller; and output (4118) signaling to effect the adjustment.
G05B 13/02 - Adaptive control systems, i.e. systems automatically adjusting themselves to have a performance which is optimum according to some preassigned criterion electric
A pressure regulator with a serviceable lock is provided. The pressure regulator with a serviceable lock including a housing body having an inlet and an outlet with an internal cavity disposed therebetween. The housing body including an upper housing and a lower housing that are removably couplable to one another so that the housing body can be moved between an open position and a closed position. The first housing having a latch that is configured to engage with a channel on the second housing to prevent the rotation of the first housing relative to the second housing when the housing body is in the closed position. The internal cavity of the housing body configured to receive a pressure regulator assembly that forms a watertight seal between the upper housing and the lower housing when the housing body is in the closed position.
F16K 27/02 - Construction of housingsUse of materials therefor of lift valves
F16K 17/04 - Safety valvesEqualising valves opening on surplus pressure on one sideSafety valvesEqualising valves closing on insufficient pressure on one side spring-loaded
16.
Activation Signal For Solenoids And Method Of Activation
There is provided an irrigation system and method involving the activation of solenoids. The system may include valves that open to start irrigation and close to stop irrigation and solenoids. Each solenoid may be coupled to a corresponding valve with each solenoid being activated to open its corresponding valve. The system may further include a controller coupled to each solenoid with the controller configured to generate an activation signal to activate each solenoid. In addition, one or more hybrid circuits convert the activation signal to a DC signal for a certain time interval at initiation of the activation signal and then convert it to an AC signal after the predetermined time interval.
A pressure compensation member, an irrigation drip emitter, drip lines and methods relating to same, are provided for delivering irrigation water from a supply tube to an emitter outlet at a reduced and relatively constant flow rate. The pressure compensation member being suitable for use in conventional emitters or alternate emitters being provided having either a uniform elastomeric emitter body configuration or a poly-material emitter body utilizing an elastomeric pressure compensation member. Various methods are also disclosed herein relating to the pressure compensation member, emitters and/or drip line using such pressure compensating members and/or emitters.
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
18.
SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROGRAMMING IRRIGATION CONTROLLERS
Systems, apparatuses, and methods are provided herein related to programming irrigation controllers. In some embodiments, a system for programming irrigation controllers includes an irrigation control application stored on a memory of a mobile electronic device. The irrigation control application can allow the user to create, save, and edit an irrigation schedule template and allow the user to transmit the irrigation schedule template to one or more irrigation controllers. The irrigation control application can store the irrigation schedule template in the memory of the mobile electronic device, but the application does not save the irrigation schedule template at a remote irrigation server.
Systems, apparatuses, and methods are provided herein related to irrigation control. In some embodiments, a shared network of sensors gathers data, and then the data and/or analysis decisions are shared with irrigation devices at other properties. In some embodiments, non-irrigation water flow usage data at a given property can be used to optimize irrigation at the property. In some embodiments, non-irrigation water flow data is used to determine that more than one irrigation station can be run at the same time. In some embodiments, consent can be provided to a water authority for irrigation at a property to be controlled by irrigation schedules and/or schedule adjustments provided by the water authority. And in some embodiments, irrigation can be controlled or adjusted based on analysis of imagery data obtained at a site or property as irrigation is occurring.
A sprinkler that includes an internal flow adjustment valve is provided. The valve enables an operator of the sprinkler to selectively shut off, turn back on, or adjust the flow of water through the sprinkler while a riser of the sprinkler is in its extended position. The valve includes a valve seat disposed on an internal flow tube and a valve plunger having an actuation shaft and a throttle nut. An outboard end of the actuation shaft can be accessed and rotated at a riser cap, which causes vertical movement of the valve plunger as threads on an inboard end of the actuation shaft engage a threaded passage disposed in the internal flow tube. Vertical movement of the valve plunger causes movement of the throttle nut relative to the valve seat and opening and closing of the valve. The throttle nut and the valve seat may have corresponding dual helical surfaces.
B05B 12/00 - Arrangements for controlling deliveryArrangements for controlling the spray area
B05B 3/04 - Spraying or sprinkling apparatus with moving outlet elements or moving deflecting elements with rotating elements driven by the liquid or other fluent material discharged, e.g. the liquid actuating a motor before passing to the outlet
B05B 15/625 - Arrangements for supporting spraying apparatus, e.g. suction cups designed to be placed on the ground
An irrigation device having an adjustable pressure regulator is provided. The irrigation device includes a housing having an inlet and a riser movable relative to the housing between a retracted position and an extended position. A retainer is secured in the riser. A flow tube extends through the retainer and is configured to move relative to the retainer. The irrigation device includes a valve coupled to the riser with the valve closing the inlet when the riser is in the retracted position. The valve is spaced from the retainer in the riser by an axial gap. The irrigation device includes a seat positioned in the axial gap. The seat is adjustably mounted to the valve such that an axial position of the seat relative to the flow tube is adjustable to adjust a regulation pressure of the irrigation device.
B05B 12/08 - Arrangements for controlling deliveryArrangements for controlling the spray area responsive to condition of liquid or other fluent material discharged, of ambient medium or of target
B05B 15/622 - Arrangements for supporting spraying apparatus, e.g. suction cups ground-penetrating
22.
SELF-POWERED IRRIGATION SYSTEMS, GENERATOR SYSTEMS AND METHODS OF CONTROLLING IRRIGATION
Some embodiments provide irrigation generator systems that include a main conduit comprising an inlet conduit and an outlet conduit; a flow control system positioned within the main conduit; a generator conduit comprising a generator inlet conduit and a generator outlet conduit, wherein the generator inlet conduit is fluidly coupled with the main conduit upstream of the flow control system, the generator outlet conduit is fluidly coupled with the main conduit downstream of the flow control system; and a generator comprising a rotor assembly cooperated with generator conduit to be physically activated by a flow of fluid through the generator conduit causing rotation of the rotor assembly and generates electrical power. The flow control system transitions between a closed state to the open state in response to a water pressure exceeding a pressure threshold.
G05D 16/06 - Control of fluid pressure without auxiliary power the sensing element being a flexible member yielding to pressure, e.g. diaphragm, bellows, capsule
H02K 11/00 - Structural association of dynamo-electric machines with electric components or with devices for shielding, monitoring or protection
H02K 11/04 - Structural association of dynamo-electric machines with electric components or with devices for shielding, monitoring or protection for rectification
23.
Emitter Outlet, Emitter, Drip Line And Methods Relating To Same
Emitter outlets are disclosed which include a bath within which fluid collects until dripping out an outlet formed in the drip line, the bath including a floor having a floor thickness, the floor thickness comprising a first thickness of a bottom wall of the outlet and a second thickness of a rib that projects axially from an outer surface of the bottom wall of the outlet. The rib reinforces the floor so that water pressure in the drip line does not deflect the floor and result in an inconsistent drip pattern. The emitter outlets may also include a first portion upstream of the bath having a plurality of turns for reducing a velocity of fluid traveling through the outlet and may be made of an elastomeric material. In addition, emitters, drip lines and various methods relating to such an emitter outlet configuration are also disclosed.
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
A sprinkler informational plug is provided. The plug includes a cap, a shaft, and a key. The cap includes a plurality of grips disposed about peripheral surface of the cap. The shaft is tapered between the cap and the key. The key includes a first bit and a second bit extending from the key. The plug is configured to be inserted through a cover and to engage a lock plate of the sprinkler to secure the plug to the sprinkler.
Control zone devices that integrate a valve, filter, and pressure regulator within a single device are provided. Specifically, the control zone devices include a main body having a base portion with an inlet passage and an outlet passage attachable to a conduit and a body portion extending from the base portion having an interior for receiving a filter. The control zone devices further include a valve body including a solenoid bowl for attaching a solenoid and an interface cap for removably coupling the valve body to the main body of the control zone device and forming an interface between the valve body and the main body to operate the valve. The control zone devices also include a pressure regulator. In some configurations, the pressure regulator is positioned in a vent flow path of the valve body downstream of the solenoid for regulating pressure at the valve.
G05D 16/06 - Control of fluid pressure without auxiliary power the sensing element being a flexible member yielding to pressure, e.g. diaphragm, bellows, capsule
17 - Rubber and plastic; packing and insulating materials
Goods & Services
Non-metallic flexible pipes; flexible pipes, not of metal; non-metallic hoses and flexible pipes; non-metal flexible tubing; flexible tubes of plastic; flexible tubes, not of metal; irrigation hoses; watering hoses; irrigation hoses and tubing in the nature of non-metal irrigation drip line tubing; irrigation hoses and tubing in the nature of non-metal irrigation tubing with emitters built into the tubing
37 - Construction and mining; installation and repair services
42 - Scientific, technological and industrial services, research and design
Goods & Services
Maintenance and repair of computer hardware. Providing online, non-downloadable software; software as a service services; platform as a service services; providing online, non-downloadable software for monitoring, controlling and analyzing irrigation and irrigation systems and environmental conditions and growing environments; providing online, non-downloadable software for monitoring and analyzing environmental data and conditions, for generating and providing alerts and notifications concerning irrigation systems and environmental and growing conditions; providing online, non-downloadable software for preparing reports on irrigation, irrigation systems, and/or environmental data and conditions, for storing and maintaining irrigation and environmental data; providing online, non-downloadable software for monitoring and analyzing environmental conditions and growing environments; providing online, non-downloadable software for collecting and storing weather and environmental data; providing online, non-downloadable software for collecting and storing weather and environmental data for controlling and operating water use and irrigation; providing online, non-downloadable software for automation; providing online, non-downloadable software for automation of water use; providing online, non-downloadable software for monitoring and controlling operation of water supply valves and leak detection; providing online, non-downloadable software for remote monitoring and analysis; providing online, non-downloadable software for monitoring and controlling water flow; providing online, non-downloadable software for remote sensor, gauge, and meter reading; providing online, non-downloadable software for mapping landscapes; installation of computer software; installation and maintenance of computer software; updating of computer software; computer software consultancy; software design; software customization services; consulting services in the fields of selection, implementation and use of computer hardware and software systems for others services; technical support services, namely, troubleshooting of computer software problems; irrigation system design services for others; providing online, non-downloadable software for mapping landscapes for irrigation system design and for monitoring, controlling, and automating irrigation system operation; technical engineering consulting services in the field of irrigation and water use management; technical engineering consulting services in the field of irrigation systems and design of irrigation systems; hosting a website featuring technology that enables users to monitor, control, automate, and analyze irrigation and irrigation systems, to monitor and analyze environmental data and conditions, to prepare reports on irrigation and irrigation systems data and/or environmental data and conditions, to store and maintain irrigation and environmental data; providing a website featuring computer technology that enables users to monitor, control, automate, and analyze irrigation and irrigation systems, to monitor and analyze environmental data and conditions, to prepare reports on irrigation and irrigation systems data and/or environmental data and conditions, to store and maintain irrigation and environmental data; providing technological and scientific information about water conservation and water usage management; design services for irrigation, watering and sprinkler systems; water analysis; scientific and technological services and research and design relating thereto; software as a service services for automation of irrigation, watering, water use, and water supply; platform as a service services for automation of irrigation, watering, water use, and water supply; software as a service services for water use management; platform as a service services for water use management; software as a service services related to software for operating, monitoring, and controlling machines and equipment for applications in the field of agriculture and irrigation; providing online, non-downloadable software for monitoring environmental conditions and growing environments and controlling and analyzing water supply and water use; providing artificial intelligence and machine learning software for monitoring environmental factors and conditions, weather conditions, and growing environments and for controlling and operating water supply and water use.
37 - Construction and mining; installation and repair services
42 - Scientific, technological and industrial services, research and design
Goods & Services
Maintenance and repair of computer hardware. Providing online, non-downloadable software; software as a service services; platform as a service services; providing online, non-downloadable software for monitoring, controlling and analyzing irrigation and irrigation systems and environmental conditions and growing environments; providing online, non-downloadable software for monitoring and analyzing environmental data and conditions, for generating and providing alerts and notifications concerning irrigation systems and environmental and growing conditions; providing online, non-downloadable software for preparing reports on irrigation, irrigation systems, and/or environmental data and conditions, for storing and maintaining irrigation and environmental data; providing online, non-downloadable software for monitoring and analyzing environmental conditions and growing environments; providing online, non-downloadable software for collecting and storing weather and environmental data; providing online, non-downloadable software for collecting and storing weather and environmental data for controlling and operating water use and irrigation; providing online, non-downloadable software for automation; providing online, non-downloadable software for automation of water use; providing online, non-downloadable software for monitoring and controlling operation of water supply valves and leak detection; providing online, non-downloadable software for remote monitoring and analysis; providing online, non-downloadable software for monitoring and controlling water flow; providing online, non-downloadable software for remote sensor, gauge, and meter reading; providing online, non-downloadable software for mapping landscapes; installation of computer software; installation and maintenance of computer software; updating of computer software; computer software consultancy; software design; software customization services; consulting services in the fields of selection, implementation and use of computer hardware and software systems for others services; technical support services, namely, troubleshooting of computer software problems; irrigation system design services for others; providing online, non-downloadable software for mapping landscapes for irrigation system design and for monitoring, controlling, and automating irrigation system operation; technical engineering consulting services in the field of irrigation and water use management; technical engineering consulting services in the field of irrigation systems and design of irrigation systems; hosting a website featuring technology that enables users to monitor, control, automate, and analyze irrigation and irrigation systems, to monitor and analyze environmental data and conditions, to prepare reports on irrigation and irrigation systems data and/or environmental data and conditions, to store and maintain irrigation and environmental data; providing a website featuring computer technology that enables users to monitor, control, automate, and analyze irrigation and irrigation systems, to monitor and analyze environmental data and conditions, to prepare reports on irrigation and irrigation systems data and/or environmental data and conditions, to store and maintain irrigation and environmental data; providing technological and scientific information about water conservation and water usage management; design services for irrigation, watering and sprinkler systems; water analysis; scientific and technological services and research and design relating thereto; software as a service services for automation of irrigation, watering, water use, and water supply; platform as a service services for automation of irrigation, watering, water use, and water supply; software as a service services for water use management; platform as a service services for water use management; software as a service services related to software for operating, monitoring, and controlling machines and equipment for applications in the field of agriculture and irrigation; providing online, non-downloadable software for monitoring environmental conditions and growing environments and controlling and analyzing water supply and water use; providing artificial intelligence and machine learning software for monitoring environmental factors and conditions, weather conditions, and growing environments and for controlling and operating water supply and water use.
Some embodiments provide hydro-power generation systems for irrigation systems. In some embodiments, a system comprises a generator comprising a turbine at least partially inserted into a fluid flow path of a conduit of the irrigation system and to be activated by a fluid flow in the conduit, wherein the generator is to output an electrical power signal; a control circuit to: determine a characteristic of the electrical power signal; determine, based on the characteristic, a load impedance selected from a plurality of load impedances; and output a control signal to select the load impedance. The system also comprises a variable load circuit to: receive the control signal; and provide the load impedance, where an impedance of the variable load circuit is based on the characteristic to provide power generation over various flow rates of fluid in the fluid flow path.
A01G 25/06 - Watering arrangements making use of perforated pipe-lines located in the soil
G01F 1/07 - Measuring the volume flow or mass flow of fluid or fluent solid material wherein the fluid passes through a meter in a continuous flow by using mechanical effects using rotating vanes with tangential admission with mechanical coupling to the indicating device
G01F 1/90 - Indirect mass flowmeters, e.g. measuring volume flow and density, temperature, or pressure with positive-displacement meter or turbine meter to determine the volume flow
H02K 7/18 - Structural association of electric generators with mechanical driving motors, e.g.with turbines
H02P 9/08 - Control of generator circuit during starting or stopping of driving means, e.g. for initiating excitation
H02P 9/04 - Control effected upon non-electric prime mover and dependent upon electric output value of the generator
H02P 9/10 - Control effected upon generator excitation circuit to reduce harmful effects of overloads or transients, e.g. sudden application of load, sudden removal of load, sudden change of load
H02P 9/48 - Arrangements for obtaining a constant output value at varying speed of the generator, e.g. on vehicle
Some embodiments provide hydro-power generation systems for irrigation systems. In some embodiments, a system comprises a generator comprising a turbine at least partially inserted into a fluid flow path of a conduit of the irrigation system and to be activated by a fluid flow in the conduit, wherein the generator is to output an electrical power signal; a control circuit to: determine a characteristic of the electrical power signal; determine, based on the characteristic, a load impedance selected from a plurality of load impedances; and output a control signal to select the load impedance. The system also comprises a variable load circuit to: receive the control signal; and provide the load impedance, where an impedance of the variable load circuit is based on the characteristic to provide power generation over various flow rates of fluid in the fluid flow path.
F03B 13/08 - Machine or engine aggregates in dams or the likeConduits therefor
H02J 3/32 - Arrangements for balancing the load in a network by storage of energy using batteries with converting means
H02J 7/14 - Circuit arrangements for charging or depolarising batteries or for supplying loads from batteries for charging batteries from dynamo-electric generators driven at varying speed, e.g. on vehicle
H02K 7/18 - Structural association of electric generators with mechanical driving motors, e.g.with turbines
31.
Methods and systems for use in controlling irrigation
Some embodiments provide systems and methods of controlling irrigation, comprising: communicating an assumption broadcast from a first irrigation controller to each of a plurality of other irrigation controllers defining assumed states of control elements, wherein the control elements are shared with one or more of the first irrigation controller and the other irrigation controllers; determining whether a reply is received from one or more of the other irrigation controllers in reply to the assumption broadcast; identifying, from the reply, a correction to a state corresponding to a first control element; updating state information corresponding to the first control element in response to the identifying the correction; and communicating a subsequent notification from the first irrigation controller to each of the plurality of other irrigation controllers of the irrigation system, where the subsequent notification comprises the updated state information corresponding to the first control element.
Some embodiments provide a system and method for interfacing with an irrigation controller based on rainfall, the system comprising: an interface unit including a housing and a control unit within the housing and configured to: cause an interruption of one or more watering schedules executed by the irrigation controller, which is separate from the interface unit, based on signaling received from a rain sensor including hygroscopic material, when a sensed expansion of the hygroscopic material is above a set rainfall accumulation threshold parameter, the rain sensor being separate from the interface unit and the hygroscopic material being configured to expand in response to being contacted by the rainfall and to contract in response to an absence of the rainfall; and remove the interruption after a completion of a predetermined interval of time after a sensed contraction of the hygroscopic material indicative of a rainfall stop.
Some embodiments provide an interface unit interfacing with an irrigation controller, comprising: a housing; a controller configured to instruct an interruption of a watering schedule executed by the irrigation controller, the interruption based on one or both of sensed temperature and sensed rainfall amount, and based on one or both of user entered temperature and rainfall threshold parameters; a switching device coupled with the controller, and configured to cause the interruption in response to signaling from the controller; and a user interface comprising: a plurality of user input devices configured to provide signaling to the controller based upon user's engagement, and configured to allow the user to define the temperature and rainfall threshold parameters; and a user display comprising a display screen; wherein the controller is configured to cause the display screen to display a plurality of pictorial representations that in combination convey whether irrigation is being interrupted.
An irrigation control device is provided that includes adjacent terminal connector rows having a ridge portion between the rows, where the ridge portion is configured to support and guide wires to the terminal connectors of one row, and to support these wires above wires retained in another row of terminal connectors. In some embodiments, one of the terminal connector rows includes a plurality of risers coupled to the terminal connectors positioned in that row. The risers provide a vertical offset between the adjacent terminal connector rows, as well as a secure electrical and mechanical connection point for the wires to connect to the circuit board directly, or alternatively to the corresponding electrical pads coupled to the circuit board. The housing may include divider walls that each provide an additional barrier or isolation between side-by-side electrical connection pads, terminal connectors and their associated wires.
Some embodiments provide irrigation systems comprising: a central irrigation controller; a radio module; a control module; and a radio adaptor in communication with the control module; where the control module comprises: a processor, a first communication interface, and one or more valve drivers, where the control module is configured to implement irrigation commands in implementing at least a portion of irrigation programming such that the one or more valve drivers are each configured to control a different irrigation valve in accordance with the irrigation programming; and the radio adapter comprises: a second communication interface communicationally coupled with the first communication interface, and a wireless radio frequency transceiver configured to provide wireless communication with the radio module where the radio adapter is configured to relay information between the radio module and the control module.
In some embodiments, apparatuses and methods are provided herein useful to use with irrigation devices connected to a multi-wire path in an irrigation system. In some embodiments, there is provided a system for use with irrigation devices including a modulator configured to provide an output power signal modulated with data; a multi-wire interface coupled to the modulator and configured to electrically couple to the multi-wire path extending into a landscape and to which the irrigation devices are connected; and a control circuit configured to execute an automated device discovery process configured to cause the modulator to modulate data comprising a discovery message on the output power signal, the discovery message indicating a portion of an address to match and prompting a response from one or more of the irrigation devices in which a corresponding portion of the unique address matches the portion of the address to match.
Systems, user interfaces, and methods related to irrigation control systems are provided herein. In some embodiments, an irrigation control system includes an irrigation management application which, when executed by an electronic device, causes a user interface to be displayed to a user. The user interface includes features that permit a user to do one or more of configure, monitor, program, control, adjust various components and/or operations of the irrigation management system.
G06F 3/0484 - Interaction techniques based on graphical user interfaces [GUI] for the control of specific functions or operations, e.g. selecting or manipulating an object, an image or a displayed text element, setting a parameter value or selecting a range
Some embodiments provide an irrigation flow sensor system, comprising: a housing forming a fluid channel to cooperate with conduits of an irrigation system; a paddle wheel device with at least a first blade of a set of the blades comprises a magnetic element; the paddle wheel device is positioned with at least a portion of the blades extends into the fluid channel as the blades rotate about an axis; a magnetic sensor proximate a pathway of the magnetic element as it rotates configured to provide a sensor output every time the magnetic element passes the magnetic sensor; a switch coupled to the magnetic sensor and a current loop, wherein the switch in an activate state is configured to temporarily change the current in the current loop in response to the sensor output, with a rate of change in current corresponding to a flow rate of the fluid flowing.
G01F 1/115 - Measuring the volume flow or mass flow of fluid or fluent solid material wherein the fluid passes through a meter in a continuous flow by using mechanical effects using rotating vanes with axial admission with magnetic or electromagnetic coupling to the indicating device
A multi-mode sprinkler adjustable for part or full circle operation to irrigate a selected area is provided. The sprinkler includes a nozzle for dispensing fluid, a set of gears for rotating the nozzle, and an arc setting mechanism that cooperates with the set of gears. The arc setting mechanism comprises a fixed trip for switching to a first direction for the nozzle and an adjustable trip movable relative to the fixed trip for setting an arc of rotation for the nozzle in the part circle mode. The arc setting mechanism also includes a toggle for engaging the fixed trip and the adjustable trip to switch between a first direction and a second direction when in the part circle mode. In the full circle mode, the adjustable trip is deflected radially outward, and the fixed trip deflects radially outward as it passes the toggle, allowing continuous rotation of the nozzle. A memory arc function is also provided, in which the arc setting mechanism returns to an originally set arc of rotation after mishandling of the sprinkler.
B05B 3/02 - Spraying or sprinkling apparatus with moving outlet elements or moving deflecting elements with rotating elements
B05B 3/04 - Spraying or sprinkling apparatus with moving outlet elements or moving deflecting elements with rotating elements driven by the liquid or other fluent material discharged, e.g. the liquid actuating a motor before passing to the outlet
A solenoid adapter for a solenoid valve that permits use of different solenoids with different solenoid bowls is provided. Specifically, a reverse flow solenoid adapter enables use of a reverse flow solenoid with a forward flow solenoid bowl, while a forward flow solenoid adapter enables use of a forward flow solenoid with a reverse flow solenoid bowl. The adapters include a lower section to mount into a valve solenoid bowl, an upper portion including an adapter solenoid chamber to receive a solenoid, and flow-reversing passages that duct a vent passage flow path from the valve solenoid bowl to the adapter solenoid chamber such that the flow path transitions from a flow configuration of the valve solenoid bowl to a flow configuration required for the solenoid to function and returns to the flow configuration of the valve solenoid bowl as the path circulates back to the valve solenoid bowl.
A tube connector having a body and a coupler is provided. The body defines a fluid flow path therethrough. The coupler has an annular body including an outer wall and an inner surface. An end of the outer wall is mounted on the body at one end of the flow path. The inner surface is supported by the outer wall and defines a central opening for receiving an end portion of a tube. The coupler includes a barb protruding radially inward from the inner surface to engage the end portion of the tube to secure the tube to the coupler. The coupler includes a protrusion extending radially outward from the outer wall.
F16L 33/22 - Arrangements for connecting hoses to rigid membersRigid hose-connectors, i.e. single members engaging both hoses with means not mentioned in the preceding groups for gripping the hose between inner and outer parts
F16L 33/32 - Arrangements for connecting hoses to rigid membersRigid hose-connectors, i.e. single members engaging both hoses comprising parts outside the hoses only
42.
Auto-assignment of devices of a multi-wire irrigation control system to irrigation zones
In some embodiments, apparatuses and methods are provided herein useful to use with irrigation devices connected to a multi-wire path in an irrigation system. In some embodiments, there is provided a system for use with irrigation devices including a control circuit and an application including computer program code configured to be executed by the control circuit to perform steps. The steps includes obtaining a listing of unique addresses not already assigned to irrigation zones, each unique address corresponding to a respective one of the irrigation devices, the irrigation devices connected to the multi-wire path of the irrigation system; and assigning each unique address of the listing of unique addresses sequentially to available irrigation zones.
Methods and apparatus are provided herein for sensing rain fall for use in irrigation control. In one embodiment, a wireless rain sensor comprises a housing at least partially covering a first sensor, a controller and a wireless transmitter. The first sensor comprises a moisture absorptive material located to be contacted by rain fall and configured to expand in response to the contact with the rain fall and contract in response to an absence of the rain fall. The controller is coupled to the first sensor and configured to output signals corresponding to a variable amount of expansion and contraction of the moisture absorptive material. The wireless transmitter is configured to transmit wireless signals, at least one wireless signal comprising data corresponding to the variable amount of expansion and contraction of the moisture absorptive material.
An irrigation device is provided with an indicator that may be converted to indicate a condition, such as use with non-potable fluid. The irrigation device includes an inlet, and outlet, and a body defining a flow path from the inlet to the outlet. It further includes a cover with a removable section, and an indicator at least partially under the removable cover. The indicia indicate a condition of the irrigation device, such as being used with non-potable fluid. In one state, the cover is intact and the indicia are not exposed. In another state, the removable section has been removed and the indicia are at least partially exposed.
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
In some embodiments, devices, systems, and methods are provided herein useful to control the communication between irrigation system components. In some embodiments, an irrigation system comprises an irrigation system component comprising or connected to a satellite transceiver configured to transmit communications to one or more irrigation control devices and/or receive communications from the one or more irrigation control devices via one or more communication satellites, wherein the irrigation system component comprises at least one of a water emitter, a valve actuator, a valve, a decoder, a pump, a power control device, and a sensor.
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
In some embodiments, devices, systems, and methods are provided herein useful to control the communication between irrigation system components. In some embodiments, an irrigation system comprises an irrigation system component comprising or connected to a satellite transceiver configured to transmit communications to one or more irrigation control devices and/or receive communications from the one or more irrigation control devices via one or more communication satellites, wherein the irrigation system component comprises at least one of a water emitter, a valve actuator, a valve, a decoder, a pump, a power control device, and a sensor.
Some embodiments provide a system and method for interfacing with an irrigation controller based on rainfall, the system comprising: an interface unit including a housing and a control unit within the housing and configured to: cause an interruption of one or more watering schedules executed by the irrigation controller, which is separate from the interface unit, based on signaling received from a rain sensor including hygroscopic material, when a sensed expansion of the hygroscopic material is above a set rainfall accumulation threshold parameter, the rain sensor being separate from the interface unit and the hygroscopic material being configured to expand in response to being contacted by the rainfall and to contract in response to an absence of the rainfall; and remove the interruption after a completion of a predetermined interval of time after a sensed contraction of the hygroscopic material indicative of a rainfall stop.
In some embodiments, systems and methods provide an output unit for an irrigation controller comprising: a housing; an input port; a microcontroller; a modulator; a plurality of switches coupled to an output of the modulator and independently controlled by the microcontroller; and a plurality of two-wire path output connectors each coupled to a corresponding one of the plurality of switches, wherein each of the plurality of two-wire path output connectors is configured to be connected to a corresponding two-wire path of a plurality of two-wire paths which extend out of the irrigation controller and to which multiple decoder-based irrigation control units can be connected and controlled, wherein the microcontroller is further configured to operate the plurality of switches to couple and decouple the modulated power signals from the output of the modulator to one or more of the plurality of two-wire path output connectors.
Methods and systems are provided for monitoring and controlling irrigation and climate conditions in landscapes (such as, e.g., municipal parks, gardens, and sports fields) and agricultural environments (such as, e.g., open agricultural fields, greenhouses, and other sites growing crops).
Some embodiments provide systems for use in controlling irrigation, comprising: an irrigation controller configured to couple with one or more valves at a site and to control activation and deactivation of the one or more valves in accordance with an irrigation schedule stored in the irrigation controller; a wireless adapter directly communicationally coupled through a direct wired connection with the irrigation controller; and a network adapter wirelessly coupled over a point-to-point wireless communication path with the wireless adapter, wherein the network adapter is configured to further couple through a direct wired connection with a local router configured to provide communication over a distributed network to a remote server; wherein the wireless adapter is configured to poll the irrigation controller to acquire and locally store status information; and the wireless adapter is configured to communicate, over the point-to-point wireless channel, the status information to the server.
Systems, user interfaces, and methods related to irrigation control systems are provided herein. In some embodiments, an irrigation control system includes an irrigation management application which, when executed by an electronic device, causes a user interface to be displayed to a user. The user interface includes features that permit a user to do one or more of configure, monitor, program, control, adjust various components and/or operations of the irrigation management system.
Systems, user interfaces, and methods related to irrigation control systems are provided herein. In some embodiments, an irrigation control system includes an irrigation management application which, when executed by an electronic device, causes a user interface to be displayed to a user. The user interface includes features that permit a user to do one or more of configure, monitor, program, control, adjust various components and/or operations of the irrigation management system.
In some embodiments, a system for controlling irrigation comprises an irrigation control unit comprising: an input configured to receive a user entered number of watering passes for a rotary sprinkler configured to repetitively rotate about an arc and irrigate an area of an irrigation site, wherein each rotation about the arc comprises a watering pass; a memory to store the number of watering passes and arc rotation data for the rotary sprinkler corresponding to a time duration for the rotary sprinkler to make the watering pass about the arc; and a control circuit configured to: receive the number of watering passes; receive the arc rotation data; determine a run time that will result in irrigation by the rotary sprinkler about the arc for the user entered number of passes; and store the run time.
A rotor sprinkler is provided that includes a housing having a riser assembly and a rotatable nozzle turret on an upper end of the riser assembly. The rotor sprinkler includes an arc setting assembly that enables part-circle operation of the turret and a selector assembly that permits selection of either part-circle or full-circle mode of the nozzle turret where the full-circle mode rotates in one direction regardless of the direction last set in part-circle mode.
B05B 3/04 - Spraying or sprinkling apparatus with moving outlet elements or moving deflecting elements with rotating elements driven by the liquid or other fluent material discharged, e.g. the liquid actuating a motor before passing to the outlet
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
Systems, user interfaces, and methods related to irrigation control systems are provided herein. In some embodiments, an irrigation control system includes an irrigation management application which, when executed by an electronic device, causes a user interface to be displayed to a user. The user interface includes features that permit a user to do one or more of configure, monitor, program, control, adjust various components and/or operations of the irrigation management system.
Systems, user interfaces, and methods related to irrigation control systems are provided herein. In some embodiments, an irrigation control system includes an irrigation management application which, when executed by an electronic device, causes a user interface to be displayed to a user. The user interface includes features that permit a user to do one or more of configure, monitor, program, control, adjust various components and/or operations of the irrigation management system.
G06F 3/04845 - Interaction techniques based on graphical user interfaces [GUI] for the control of specific functions or operations, e.g. selecting or manipulating an object, an image or a displayed text element, setting a parameter value or selecting a range for image manipulation, e.g. dragging, rotation, expansion or change of colour
G05B 19/042 - Programme control other than numerical control, i.e. in sequence controllers or logic controllers using digital processors
G06F 3/0482 - Interaction with lists of selectable items, e.g. menus
Systems, user interfaces, and methods related to irrigation control systems are provided herein. In some embodiments, an irrigation control system includes an irrigation management application which, when executed by an electronic device, causes a user interface to be displayed to a user. The user interface includes features that permit a user to do one or more of configure, monitor, program, control, adjust various components and/or operations of the irrigation management system.
An irrigation device is provided with an indicator that may be converted to indicate a condition, such as use with non-potable fluid. The irrigation device includes an inlet, and outlet, and a body defining a flow path from the inlet to the outlet. It further includes a cover with a removable section, and an indicator at least partially under the removable cover. The indicia indicate a condition of the irrigation device, such as being used with non-potable fluid. In one state, the cover is intact and the indicia are not exposed. In another state, the removable section has been removed and the indicia are at least partially exposed.
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
An emitter outlet defining an ingress channel having a first volume and area, and having a first portion that is substantially perpendicular to a second portion located downstream of the first portion which causes fluid flowing through the ingress channel to make a first fluid velocity reducing turn, and a first opening located off of the second portion that causes at least a portion of the fluid flowing through the ingress channel to make a second fluid velocity reducing turn, and an outlet bath with a second volume and area that is larger than the first volume and area of the ingress channel so as to cause further pressure and/or velocity reduction of the fluid entering into the outlet bath. In addition, emitters, drip lines and various methods relating to such an emitter outlet configuration are also disclosed.
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
A01G 25/06 - Watering arrangements making use of perforated pipe-lines located in the soil
B05B 1/34 - Nozzles, spray heads or other outlets, with or without auxiliary devices such as valves, heating means designed to influence the nature of flow of the liquid or other fluent material, e.g. to produce swirl
A spout clip is provided including a spout and a tube clip. The spout is coupled to the tube clip. The tube clip is configured to attach to a sidewall of a water supply line to secure the spout to the line. The water supply line may include a water discharge hole, and the spout clip may be positioned at the hole. An emitter inside the line may also be positioned at the hole. The spout clip may be attached to the fluid supply tube at the hole to bring the spout of the spout clip into fluid communication with the outlet of the emitter and to distribute water from the line from a location spaced apart from the line.
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
B05B 15/658 - Mounting arrangements for fluid connection of the spraying apparatus or its outlets to flow conduits the spraying apparatus or its outlet axis being perpendicular to the flow conduit
Some embodiments provide irrigation systems comprising: a central irrigation controller; a radio module; a control module; and a radio adaptor in communication with the control module; where the control module comprises: a processor, a first communication interface, and one or more valve drivers, where the control module is configured to implement irrigation commands in implementing at least a portion of irrigation programming such that the one or more valve drivers are each configured to control a different irrigation valve in accordance with the irrigation programming; and the radio adapter comprises: a second communication interface communicationally coupled with the first communication interface, and a wireless radio frequency transceiver configured to provide wireless communication with the radio module where the radio adapter is configured to relay information between the radio module and the control module.
An irrigation valve assembly is provided, such as for use in a hose end timer or other irrigation device. In one form, the irrigation valve assembly includes an inlet, an outlet, and a molded valve body coupled to the inlet and the outlet and defining a flow passage from the inlet to the outlet. The inlet couples the irrigation valve assembly to a water source. The outlet includes a metal outlet body including a threaded portion, such as for coupling to a house. The metal outlet body includes at least one projection embedded at least partially into the molded valve body for coupling the metal outlet body to the molded valve body. An irrigation device and an outlet for an irrigation device are also provided.
Some embodiments provide methods and systems of controlling irrigation. Some of these systems comprise: a connector of a controller interface (CI) coupled with an irrigation controller, wherein the connector is configured to receive a valve activation signal activated by the irrigation controller; a user interface of the CI; a processor of the CI configured to obtain valve transceiver (VT) programming with VT programming being received from inputs through the user interface, determine a station identifier, and identify as defined in the VT programming a remote valve associated with the station identifier and controlled by a remote VT; and a wireless transceiver configured to wirelessly transmit a wireless activation signal configured to be wirelessly received by the VT controlling the valve associated by the VT programming with the station identifier such that the VT is configured to control an actuator to actuate the valve.
G05B 19/042 - Programme control other than numerical control, i.e. in sequence controllers or logic controllers using digital processors
H04W 4/80 - Services using short range communication, e.g. near-field communication [NFC], radio-frequency identification [RFID] or low energy communication
An emitter coupler is provided, such as for use in an irrigation dripline. The emitter coupler includes a body with two portions for coupling to two supply tubes. The emitter coupler also includes a conduit defined by the body that receives fluid from a supply tube. The emitter coupler also has an emitter including: an emitter inlet that receives fluid from the conduit; an emitter outlet downstream of the emitter inlet with the inlet receiving fluid at a certain pressure and the outlet emitting fluid at a reduced pressure; and a pressure reducing flow channel disposed in the emitter between the inlet and the outlet. The emitter coupler further includes a housing that encloses the emitter. The housing is in fluid communication with the conduit and defines an outlet of the emitter coupler. A dripline with at least one emitter coupler is also provided.
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
F16L 33/16 - Arrangements for connecting hoses to rigid membersRigid hose-connectors, i.e. single members engaging both hoses with sealing or securing means using fluid pressure
The present embodiments provide systems, processes and/or methods of controlling irrigation. In some embodiments, methods are provided that receive (4112) water usage information corresponding to a first volumetric water usage at a site location having an irrigation controller (130), wherein the first volumetric water usage corresponds to volumetric water usage from a beginning of a budget period of time to a first time within the budget period of time; determine (4114) automatically whether a volumetric water budget at the site location will be met for the budget period of time based on at least the first volumetric water usage, the volumetric water budget corresponding to a specified volume of water for use during the budget period of time; determine (4116) automatically, in the event the volumetric water budget will not be met, an adjustment to the irrigation by the irrigation controller; and output (4118) signaling to effect the adjustment.
G05B 13/02 - Adaptive control systems, i.e. systems automatically adjusting themselves to have a performance which is optimum according to some preassigned criterion electric
A smart drip irrigation emitter provides intelligent features including on-demand watering, sensors and communication links. The emitters are activated by a wireless signal to power and/or control water delivery from the emitter. The emitter includes sensors that gather data pertaining to an individual plant and intelligently determines whether to water the plant. A communication network includes a network of smart emitters.
Methods and apparatus for checking emitter bonds in an irrigation drip line and for manufacturing drip line in a manner that allows the bond between the in-line emitter and surrounding conduit to be checked. In one form, a downstream in-line vacuum tester is provided for monitoring the amount of air escaping from outlet openings in the drip line to detect excessive air associated with poorly bonded emitters.
G01M 3/28 - Investigating fluid tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum by measuring rate of loss or gain of fluid, e.g. by pressure-responsive devices, by flow detectors for pipes, cables, or tubesInvestigating fluid tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum by measuring rate of loss or gain of fluid, e.g. by pressure-responsive devices, by flow detectors for pipe joints or sealsInvestigating fluid tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum by measuring rate of loss or gain of fluid, e.g. by pressure-responsive devices, by flow detectors for valves
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
G01M 3/04 - Investigating fluid tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum by detecting the presence of fluid at the leakage point
G01M 3/06 - Investigating fluid tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum by detecting the presence of fluid at the leakage point by observing bubbles in a liquid pool
G01M 3/26 - Investigating fluid tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum by measuring rate of loss or gain of fluid, e.g. by pressure-responsive devices, by flow detectors
69.
Self-powered irrigation systems, generator systems and methods of controlling irrigation
Some embodiments provide irrigation generator systems that include a main conduit comprising an inlet conduit and an outlet conduit; a flow control system positioned within the main conduit; a generator conduit comprising a generator inlet conduit and a generator outlet conduit, wherein the generator inlet conduit is fluidly coupled with the main conduit upstream of the flow control system, the generator outlet conduit is fluidly coupled with the main conduit downstream of the flow control system; and a generator comprising a rotor assembly cooperated with generator conduit to be physically activated by a flow of fluid through the generator conduit causing rotation of the rotor assembly and generates electrical power. The flow control system transitions between a closed state to the open state in response to a water pressure exceeding a pressure threshold.
G05D 16/06 - Control of fluid pressure without auxiliary power the sensing element being a flexible member yielding to pressure, e.g. diaphragm, bellows, capsule
H02K 11/00 - Structural association of dynamo-electric machines with electric components or with devices for shielding, monitoring or protection
H02K 11/04 - Structural association of dynamo-electric machines with electric components or with devices for shielding, monitoring or protection for rectification
70.
SELF-POWERED IRRIGATION SYSTEMS, GENERATOR SYSTEMS AND METHODS OF CONTROLLING IRRIGATION
Some embodiments provide irrigation generator systems that include a main conduit comprising an inlet conduit and an outlet conduit; a flow control system positioned within the main conduit; a generator conduit comprising a generator inlet conduit and a generator outlet conduit, wherein the generator inlet conduit is fluidly coupled with the main conduit upstream of the flow control system, the generator outlet conduit is fluidly coupled with the main conduit downstream of the flow control system; and a generator comprising a rotor assembly cooperated with generator conduit to be physically activated by a flow of fluid through the generator conduit causing rotation of the rotor assembly and generates electrical power. The flow control system transitions between a closed state to the open state in response to a water pressure exceeding a pressure threshold.
F03B 17/06 - Other machines or engines using liquid flow, e.g. of swinging-flap type
F03B 3/04 - Machines or engines of reaction typeParts or details peculiar thereto with substantially axial flow throughout rotors, e.g. propeller turbines
F03B 3/02 - Machines or engines of reaction typeParts or details peculiar thereto with radial flow at high-pressure side and axial flow at low-pressure side of rotors, e.g. Francis turbines
F03B 13/00 - Adaptations of machines or engines for special useCombinations of machines or engines with driving or driven apparatusPower stations or aggregates
71.
AUTO-DETECTION OF DEVICES ON A MULTI-WIRE IRRIGATION CONTROL SYSTEM AND AUTO-ASSIGNMENT OF RECEIVERS TO IRRIGATION ZONES
In some embodiments, apparatuses and methods are provided herein useful to use with irrigation devices connected to a multi-wire path in an irrigation system. In some embodiments, there is provided a system for use with irrigation devices including a modulator configured to provide an output power signal modulated with data; a multi-wire interface coupled to the modulator and configured to electrically couple to the multi-wire path extending into a landscape and to which the irrigation devices are connected; and a control circuit configured to execute an automated device discovery process configured to cause the modulator to modulate data comprising a discovery message on the output power signal, the discovery message indicating a portion of an address to match and prompting a response from one or more of the irrigation devices in which a corresponding portion of the unique address matches the portion of the address to match.
In some embodiments, apparatuses and methods are provided herein useful to use with irrigation devices connected to a multi-wire path in an irrigation system. In some embodiments, there is provided a system for use with irrigation devices including a modulator configured to provide an output power signal modulated with data; a multi-wire interface coupled to the modulator and configured to electrically couple to the multi-wire path extending into a landscape and to which the irrigation devices are connected; and a control circuit configured to execute an automated device discovery process configured to cause the modulator to modulate data comprising a discovery message on the output power signal, the discovery message indicating a portion of an address to match and prompting a response from one or more of the irrigation devices in which a corresponding portion of the unique address matches the portion of the address to match.
An irrigation nozzle is provided with a grit diversion feature to divert grit away from the interior of the nozzle. The nozzle includes a pattern template that defines the irrigation pattern produced by the nozzle. The pattern template includes one or more flow channels that may be susceptible to clogging with grit. The grit diversion feature includes one or more grit vents to redirect grit away from the interior of the nozzle and may further include an inner wall about the central hub that helps protect the central hub from intrusion by grit.
B05B 15/52 - Arrangements for cleaningArrangements for preventing deposits, drying-out or blockageArrangements for detecting improper discharge caused by the presence of foreign matter for removal of clogging particles
B05B 3/04 - Spraying or sprinkling apparatus with moving outlet elements or moving deflecting elements with rotating elements driven by the liquid or other fluent material discharged, e.g. the liquid actuating a motor before passing to the outlet
B05B 12/00 - Arrangements for controlling deliveryArrangements for controlling the spray area
B05B 15/525 - Arrangements for cleaningArrangements for preventing deposits, drying-out or blockageArrangements for detecting improper discharge caused by the presence of foreign matter for removal of clogging particles by increasing the cross section of the discharge openings
B05B 15/58 - Arrangements for cleaningArrangements for preventing deposits, drying-out or blockageArrangements for detecting improper discharge caused by the presence of foreign matter preventing deposits, drying-out or blockage by recirculating the fluid to be sprayed from upstream of the discharge opening back to the supplying means
74.
Data modulated signal generation in a multi-wire irrigation control system
In some embodiments, apparatuses and methods are provided herein useful to providing power and data to an irrigation device. In some embodiments, a decoder unit for an irrigation system that receives power and data from an irrigation control unit over a multi-wire path comprises an input interface configured to couple to the multi-wire path of a decoder-based irrigation control system and to receive an output AC signal modulated with data and transmitted by an encoder of the irrigation control unit over the multi-wire path; a switch coupled to the input interface; a decoder circuit connected to the input interface. In some embodiment, the decoder circuit comprises a control circuit configured to decode the data from the received output AC signal; determine that the irrigation device is to be activated; and output a control signal to the switch.
A multi-mode sprinkler adjustable for part or full circle operation to irrigate a selected area is provided. The sprinkler includes a nozzle for dispensing fluid, a set of gears for rotating the nozzle and an arc setting mechanism that cooperates with the set of gears. The arc setting mechanism comprises a fixed trip for switching to a first direction for the nozzle and an adjustable trip movable relative to the fixed trip for setting an arc of rotation for the nozzle in the part circle mode. The arc setting mechanism also includes a toggle for engaging the fixed trip and the adjustable to switch between a first direction and a second direction when in the part circle mode. In the full circle mode, the adjustable trip overlaps at least in part the fixed trip, such that the fixed trip deflects the toggle radially inward, allowing continuous rotation of the nozzle.
B05B 3/04 - Spraying or sprinkling apparatus with moving outlet elements or moving deflecting elements with rotating elements driven by the liquid or other fluent material discharged, e.g. the liquid actuating a motor before passing to the outlet
B05B 3/02 - Spraying or sprinkling apparatus with moving outlet elements or moving deflecting elements with rotating elements
B05B 17/04 - Apparatus for spraying or atomising liquids or other fluent materials, not covered by any other group of this subclass operating with special methods
76.
Sensor-based interruption of an irrigation controller
Some embodiments provide a system and method for interfacing with an irrigation controller based on rainfall, the system comprising: an interface unit including a housing and a control unit within the housing and configured to: cause an interruption of one or more watering schedules executed by the irrigation controller, which is separate from the interface unit, based on signaling received from a rain sensor including hygroscopic material, when a sensed expansion of the hygroscopic material is above a set rainfall accumulation threshold parameter, the rain sensor being separate from the interface unit and the hygroscopic material being configured to expand in response to being contacted by the rainfall and to contract in response to an absence of the rainfall; and remove the interruption after a completion of a predetermined interval of time after a sensed contraction of the hygroscopic material indicative of a rainfall stop.
An integrated irrigation valve control device has a coil adapted to develop an electromagnetic flux sufficient to cause actuation of irrigation equipment. Control circuitry is electrically coupled to the coil to control the flux at the coil. A housing covers at least a portion of the coil and at least a portion of the control circuitry.
Methods and apparatus are provided herein for sensing rain fall for use in irrigation control. In one embodiment, a wireless rain sensor comprises a housing at least partially covering a first sensor, a controller and a wireless transmitter. The first sensor comprises a moisture absorptive material located to be contacted by rain fall and configured to expand in response to the contact with the rain fall and contract in response to an absence of the rain fall. The controller is coupled to the first sensor and configured to output signals corresponding to a variable amount of expansion and contraction of the moisture absorptive material. The wireless transmitter is configured to transmit wireless signals, at least one wireless signal comprising data corresponding to the variable amount of expansion and contraction of the moisture absorptive material.
An irrigation control device comprises a coil adapted to develop an electromagnetic flux sufficient to cause actuation of irrigation equipment. Control circuitry is electrically coupled to the coil to receive control signals from an irrigation control unit and to control the flux at the coil. A housing covers at least a portion of both the coil and the control circuitry, the housing including a threaded end configured to thread the irrigation control device to a valve assembly to be actuated by the electromagnetic flux of the coil.
Some embodiments provide an interface unit interfacing with an irrigation controller, comprising: a housing; a controller configured to instruct an interruption of a watering schedule executed by the irrigation controller, the interruption based on one or both of sensed temperature and sensed rainfall amount, and based on one or both of user entered temperature and rainfall threshold parameters; a switching device coupled with the controller, and configured to cause the interruption in response to signaling from the controller; and a user interface comprising: a plurality of user input devices configured to provide signaling to the controller based upon user's engagement, and configured to allow the user to define the temperature and rainfall threshold parameters; and a user display comprising a display screen; wherein the controller is configured to cause the display screen to display a plurality of pictorial representations that in combination convey whether irrigation is being interrupted.
An irrigation control device is provided that includes adjacent terminal connector rows having a ridge portion between the rows, where the ridge portion is configured to support and guide wires to the terminal connectors of one row, and to support these wires above wires retained in another row of terminal connectors. In some embodiments, one of the terminal connector rows includes a plurality of risers coupled to the terminal connectors positioned in that row. The risers provide a vertical offset between the adjacent terminal connector rows, as well as a secure electrical and mechanical connection point for the wires to connect to the circuit board directly, or alternatively to the corresponding electrical pads coupled to the circuit board. The housing may include divider walls that each provide an additional barrier or isolation between side-by-side electrical connection pads, terminal connectors and their associated wires.
A pressure regulation device and method are provided for reducing fluid flow. The device may be disposed within a stem of a sprinkler, within the nozzle filter or other appropriate location within the sprinkler. The device may be a single piece structure that is formed from a thermoplastic elastomer material. The device has a body with slots that form sidewalls, which are configured to move relative to each other and deflect relative to a neutral state. The amount of movement relative to each other from the neutral state causes a reduction in pressure of the fluid exiting the regulator.
B05B 12/08 - Arrangements for controlling deliveryArrangements for controlling the spray area responsive to condition of liquid or other fluent material discharged, of ambient medium or of target
83.
Methods and systems for use in controlling irrigation
Some embodiments provide systems and methods of controlling irrigation, comprising: communicating an assumption broadcast from a first irrigation controller to each of a plurality of other irrigation controllers defining assumed states of control elements, wherein the control elements are shared with one or more of the first irrigation controller and the other irrigation controllers; determining whether a reply is received from one or more of the other irrigation controllers in reply to the assumption broadcast; identifying, from the reply, a correction to a state corresponding to a first control element; updating state information corresponding to the first control element in response to the identifying the correction; and communicating a subsequent notification from the first irrigation controller to each of the plurality of other irrigation controllers of the irrigation system, where the subsequent notification comprises the updated state information corresponding to the first control element.
In some embodiments, systems and methods provide an irrigation control system, comprising: an irrigation controller comprising an irrigation control unit; a power source; a microcontroller; and a modulator, wherein the modulator is configured to output modulated power signals; a plurality of switches coupled to an output of the modulator and independently controlled by the microcontroller; and a plurality of two-wire path output connectors each coupled to a corresponding one of the plurality of switches, wherein each of the plurality of two-wire path output connectors is configured to be connected to a corresponding two-wire path of a plurality of two-wire paths to which multiple decoder-based irrigation control units can be connected and controlled, wherein the microcontroller is further configured to operate the plurality of switches to couple and decouple the modulated power signals from the output of the modulator to one or more of the plurality of two-wire path output connectors.
An integrated actuator coil and decoder module for use in decoder-based irrigation control systems, and related methods of manufacture and installation, are provided herein. In one implementation, an irrigation control device comprises a body, decoder circuitry located within the body, a coil located within the body and coupled to the decoder circuitry, the coil adapted to develop an electromagnetic flux sufficient to cause actuation of a device controlling irrigation equipment in response to signaling from the decoder circuitry. Also included is an electrical connection coupled to the decoder circuitry and adapted to couple to a control wire path of a decoder-based irrigation control system. The decoder circuitry and the coil are integrated into a single device.
Some embodiments provide irrigation controllers comprising: a housing; a control unit including a first microcontroller configured to execute irrigation programs and a first set of code; and a removable plug-in device that removably mates with a portion of the irrigation controller and communicationally couples to the first microcontroller, wherein the plug-in device comprises a memory storing a second set of code to replace at least a portion of the first set of code, wherein the plug-in device is configured to re-flash at least a portion of the first set of code allowing a copy of the second set of code to overwrite at least the portion of the first set of code; wherein the first set of code comprises a bootloader that writes the copy of the second set of code over the first set of code with the exception of the bootloader that is not written over.
Methods and systems are provided for monitoring and controlling irrigation and climate conditions in landscapes (such as, e.g., municipal parks, gardens, and sports fields) and agricultural environments (such as, e.g., open agricultural fields, greenhouses, and other sites growing crops).
Some embodiments provide a system and method for interfacing with an irrigation controller based on rainfall, the system comprising: an interface unit including a housing and a control unit within the housing and configured to: cause an interruption of one or more watering schedules executed by the irrigation controller, which is separate from the interface unit, based on signaling received from a rain sensor including hygroscopic material, when a sensed expansion of the hygroscopic material is above a set rainfall accumulation threshold parameter, the rain sensor being separate from the interface unit and the hygroscopic material being configured to expand in response to being contacted by the rainfall and to contract in response to an absence of the rainfall; and remove the interruption after a completion of a predetermined interval of time after a sensed contraction of the hygroscopic material indicative of a rainfall stop.
In some embodiments, provide an irrigation sensor system, comprising: a rain funnel comprising an upper opening and at least one wall tapering from the upper opening to a lower aperture; and a tipping bucket positioned to receive water falling from the lower aperture while the tipping bucket is positioned such that a central longitudinal axis of the tipping bucket is not aligned with an axis extending through the lower aperture of the funnel.
G01W 1/02 - Instruments for indicating weather conditions by measuring two or more variables, e.g. humidity, pressure, temperature, cloud cover or wind speed
90.
Irrigation controller wireless network adapter and networked remote service
Some embodiments provide systems for use in controlling irrigation, comprising: an irrigation controller configured to couple with one or more valves at a site and to control activation and deactivation of the one or more valves in accordance with an irrigation schedule stored in the irrigation controller; a wireless adapter directly communicationally coupled through a direct wired connection with the irrigation controller; and a network adapter wirelessly coupled over a point-to-point wireless communication path with the wireless adapter, wherein the network adapter is configured to further couple through a direct wired connection with a local router configured to provide communication over a distributed network to a remote server; wherein the wireless adapter is configured to poll the irrigation controller to acquire and locally store status information; and the wireless adapter is configured to communicate, over the point-to-point wireless channel, the status information to the server.
Systems, apparatuses, and methods are provided herein related to irrigation control systems. In some embodiments, an irrigation control system includes a router, an access point, and irrigation controller, a wireless adapter, and a mobile device. The mobile device can communicate with the wireless adapter in a direct communication mode in which the wireless adapter creates a wireless network, a first indirect communication mode in which the mobile device and the wireless adapter communicate via the access point while the mobile device is within range of the access point, and a second indirect communication mode in which the mobile device and the wireless adapter communicate via the access point while the mobile device is out of range of the access point.
Some embodiments provide an irrigation flow sensor system, comprising: a housing forming a fluid channel to cooperate with conduits of an irrigation system; a paddle wheel device with at least a first blade of a set of the blades comprises a magnetic element; the paddle wheel device is positioned with at least a portion of the blades extends into the fluid channel as the blades rotate about an axis; a magnetic sensor proximate a pathway of the magnetic element as it rotates configured to provide a sensor output every time the magnetic element passes the magnetic sensor; a switch coupled to the magnetic sensor and a current loop, wherein the switch in an activate state is configured to temporarily change the current in the current loop in response to the sensor output, with a rate of change in current corresponding to a flow rate of the fluid flowing.
G01F 1/115 - Measuring the volume flow or mass flow of fluid or fluent solid material wherein the fluid passes through a meter in a continuous flow by using mechanical effects using rotating vanes with axial admission with magnetic or electromagnetic coupling to the indicating device
In one aspect, there is disclosed a solenoid having a bobbin with a core wire positioned about the bobbin to form a coil. A power supply wire is connected an end of the core wire and a frame is connected to the bobbin. An overmolded housing surrounds the core wire, the frame and a portion of the power supply wire.
A nozzle is provided having a low precipitation rate and uniform fluid distribution to a desired arcuate span of coverage. The nozzle has an inflow port having a shape corresponding to the desired arc of coverage and a size for effecting a low precipitation rate. The nozzle also has a deflector surface with a water distribution profile including ribs for subdividing the fluid into multiple sets of fluid streams. There are at least two fluid streams for distant and close-in irrigation to provide relatively uniform distribution and coverage. The nozzle may be a unitary, one-piece, molded nozzle body including a mounting portion, an inflow port, and a deflector portion.
B05B 1/26 - Nozzles, spray heads or other outlets, with or without auxiliary devices such as valves, heating means with means for mechanically breaking-up or deflecting the jet after discharge, e.g. with fixed deflectorsBreaking-up the discharged liquid or other fluent material by impinging jets
B05B 15/74 - Arrangements for moving spray heads automatically to or from the working position using hydraulic or pneumatic means driven by the discharged fluid
95.
Pressure compensation members, emitters, drip line and methods relating to same
A pressure compensation member, an irrigation drip emitter, drip lines and methods relating to same, are provided for delivering irrigation water from a supply tube to an emitter outlet at a reduced and relatively constant flow rate. The pressure compensation member being suitable for use in conventional emitters or alternate emitters being provided having either a uniform elastomeric emitter body configuration or a poly-material emitter body utilizing an elastomeric pressure compensation member. Various methods are also disclosed herein relating to the pressure compensation member, emitters and/or drip line using such pressure compensating members and/or emitters.
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
09 - Scientific and electric apparatus and instruments
11 - Environmental control apparatus
17 - Rubber and plastic; packing and insulating materials
20 - Furniture and decorative products
21 - HouseHold or kitchen utensils, containers and materials; glassware; porcelain; earthenware
42 - Scientific, technological and industrial services, research and design
Goods & Services
Valves; Valves, (parts of machines); hydraulically operated valves; water treatment equipment, namely, pumps for use in irrigation systems; pump control valves; hydraulically operated remote control valves for pumps and for use in irrigation systems; centrifugal pumps; submersible pumps; centrifugal separators; power-operated watering and/or irrigation hose reels; hydraulic valve actuators for use in irrigation systems; valves for pumps; machine tools; Agricultural spraying machines; spraying machines; Agricultural, gardening and forestry machines and apparatus; Agricultural implements, other than hand-operated; Horticultural machines and implements; Gardening tools (Electric); Gardening machines (Powered); irrigation installations for agricultural purposes, apparatus for aerating water; parts and fittings for all the aforesaid goods. Automatic electrical, digital, electronic, and electromechanical controls for irrigation systems, sprinklers and sprinkler systems; irrigation controllers in the nature of electrical, digital, electronic, and electromechanical irrigation controls for use in irrigation systems; environmentally responsive electronic controllers for irrigation systems; digital, electronic, electrical and electromechanical decoder controllers for irrigation systems; electronic controls; electronic control systems; encoder modules and decoder circuits for operating electronic irrigation controllers; electrical and electronic station modules for expanding the zone operating capacity of electronic irrigation controllers; sensors; electronic control modules and electronic accessory components, in the nature of sensors and electronic controller devices, for electronic irrigation controllers; measuring instruments and devices; controlling devices; remote controls; remote controls for irrigation systems; signaling apparatus and instruments; electric and electronic irrigation control panels; wireless electronic devices for use with irrigation controllers for controlling, operating, monitoring, managing, and/or analyzing irrigation systems and irrigation and water and water use; timers; electronic timers; transceivers; transmitters of electronic, optical, digital, radio, and/or data signals; transformers; control valves for regulating the flow of liquids; solenoid valves; power supplies; software; computer hardware; mobile application software; computer software applications, downloadable; software and computer hardware for controlling, automating, monitoring and/or analyzing irrigation systems, sprinkler systems and environmental conditions and water use; downloadable mobile applications; computer software and hardware for controlling, monitoring and/or analyzing irrigation systems, sprinkler systems, water use, environmental data, and growing conditions; computer programs and instruction manuals in electronic format for use with controlling, operating, monitoring, managing, and/or analyzing irrigation and sprinkler systems; electric, electronic, digital, and electromechanical sensors for use with operating irrigation and sprinkler controllers and/or irrigation and sprinkler systems; gauges; pressure gauges; rain gauges; gauges for use with irrigation systems in the nature of level gauges, wind speed gauges, temperature gauges, soil moisture gauges, salinity gauges, evapotranspiration gauges, moisture gauges; water level indicators; thermometers; surge protectors; electrical connectors; electrical switches; electrical wire; wire connectors; plug-in electrical connectors; integrated circuit modules; control circuits; automatic valves; solar cells; anemometers; pressure relief valves for use with drainage pipes; lighting controls; calculators; downloadable software in the nature of a mobile application for the control and monitoring of irrigation systems and of water use; software for automation; software for automation of water use; sonic devices for algae control that prevent algae growth; water meters; audio and video recordings; audio and video recordings about irrigation, and about irrigation and sprinkler systems and equipment, and about water usage, conservation, and management; electronic publications; downloadable electronic publications and educational course materials in the fields of irrigation, water conservation and science; hydraulically operated remote control valves in the nature of automatic control valves; electric valve actuators; non-metal cabinets, housings, and boxes in the nature of containers specially adapted for housing electronic irrigation controllers and automatic irrigation valves; electric valve actuators for use in irrigation systems; home automation hubs; parts and fittings for all the aforesaid goods. Irrigation sprinklers; irrigation sprinkler structural parts; irrigation systems and devices; irrigation apparatus for horticultural use; irrigation systems composed of irrigation sprinklers, valves, valve actuators, controllers, hoses and tubing, and other component and replacement parts therefor for watering or irrigation of agricultural crops, lawns, turf, horticultural and ornamental plants; sprinkler apparatus [automatic] for horticultural irrigation; lawn sprinkler systems comprising pumps, valves, and filters; irrigation systems comprising irrigation sprinklers, irrigation sprinkler spray bodies, spray nozzles, water emitters, valves, valve actuators, electronic controllers, sensors, timers, irrigation piping and tubing, filters, and replacement parts therefor; dripper irrigation systems comprising irrigation tubing, water emitters, water bubblers, valves, valve actuators, filters, electronic controllers, sensors, and replacement parts therefor; valves being parts of irrigation systems and valve replacement parts therefor; valves being parts of sprinkler systems; irrigation spray nozzles; irrigation sprinkler spray bodies; sprinkler heads for irrigation sprinklers; rotors as component parts for irrigation sprinklers for controlling the direction of irrigation spray nozzles; irrigation sprinklers, namely, irrigation emitters; irrigation sprinklers, namely, irrigation bubblers; non-metal pipe and tube fittings as structural parts of irrigation systems; non-metal water distribution manifolds for irrigation systems; water filters; water filters and filtering devices for irrigation systems; irrigation system water filters and water filter screens; pressure regulators for irrigation watering systems; water filtering apparatus; water filtering units for commercial, municipal or industrial use; water purification and filtration apparatus; water purification, sedimentation and filtration apparatus for clarification, thickening and filtration of water, waste water and industrial water; dust control systems comprising irrigation sprinklers and electronic controllers; automatic installations for watering; automatic irrigation, watering and sprinkler systems and installations; water intake apparatus; decorative fountains; plumbing fixtures; water-pipes for sanitary installations; regulating accessories for water apparatus and pipes; water conduit installations; water distribution installations; water supply apparatus and installations; watering installations, automatic; watering machines for agricultural purposes; environmental control apparatus and installations; parts and fittings for all the aforesaid goods. Hoses; flexible pipes, tubes and hoses, not of metal; Non-metallic hoses and flexible pipes; non-metal tubing; flexible tubes of plastic; non-metal hose fittings; irrigation hoses; non-metal tubing for irrigation; watering hoses; plastic tubes used in drip irrigation systems; non-metal irrigation hose and tube lines, hoses and drip tapes for drip irrigation; lawn hoses; irrigation hoses and tubing in the nature of polyethylene tubing for irrigation use; irrigation hoses and tubing in the nature of non-metal irrigation tubing; irrigation hoses and tubing in the nature of non-metal irrigation drip line tubing; irrigation hoses and tubing in the nature of non-metal irrigation tubing with emitters built into the tubing; non-metallic tubing, pipes, pipe joints, pipe couplings, hose connectors, hose repair couplings, riser pipes, pipe adapters, washers for fastening pipes or hoses, pipe markers, hose markers, hose collars and pipe collars; pipe fittings comprised primarily of plastic; parts and fittings for all the aforesaid goods. Valves of plastics, not including machine elements; water-pipe valves of plastic; cabinets and housings for valves and irrigation controllers; furniture; literature and correspondence racks [furniture]; stadium cushions; valves of plastic being other than machine parts; plastic hose hangers; plastic signs; drain traps [valves] of plastic; parts and fittings for all the aforesaid goods. Sprinklers; sprinklers for watering flowers, plants, and ground; sprinkler systems, comprising sprinklers, nozzles, emitters, valves, fittings, and couplings and structural parts for the foregoing for watering flowers, plants, and ground; sprinklers and sprinkler structural parts for watering plants, flowers, gardens, and lawns; sprinkler heads for watering plants, lawn, and/or garden; sprinkler nozzles for watering plants, lawn, and/or garden; sprinklers for watering, flowers, plants, and ground, namely, sprinkler emitters; hose nozzles; sprayers attached to garden hoses; basins; non-automatic irrigation, watering and sprinkler systems and installations; sprinkler apparatus; brushes; beverageware; drinking receptacles; cups; insulated cups; mugs; cork screws; sprinkler nozzles and hose nozzles; sprinkling devices; watering devices; parts and fittings for all the aforesaid goods. Design services; irrigation system design services for others; technical engineering consulting services in the field of irrigation and water use management; technical engineering consulting services in the field of irrigation systems and design of irrigation systems; providing a website containing technology that enables users to monitor, control, automate, and analyze irrigation and irrigation systems, to monitor and analyze environmental data and conditions, to prepare reports on irrigation and irrigation systems data and/or environmental data and conditions, to store and maintain irrigation and environmental data; software design; providing online, non-downloadable software; software as a service services; platform as a service services; providing online, non-downloadable software for monitoring, controlling and analyzing irrigation and irrigation systems and environmental conditions and growing environments; providing online, non-downloadable software for for monitoring and analyzing environmental data and conditions, for generating and providing alerts and notifications concerning irrigation systems and environmental and growing conditions; providing online, non-downloadable software for preparing reports on irrigation, irrigation systems, and/or environmental data and conditions, for storing and maintaining irrigation and environmental data; providing online, non-downloadable software for automation; providing online, non-downloadable software for automation of water use; providing technological and scientific information about water conservation and water usage management; design services for irrigation, watering and sprinkler systems; water analysis; scientific and technological services and research and design relating thereto; computer software consultancy; installation of computer software; updating of computer software.
09 - Scientific and electric apparatus and instruments
11 - Environmental control apparatus
17 - Rubber and plastic; packing and insulating materials
20 - Furniture and decorative products
21 - HouseHold or kitchen utensils, containers and materials; glassware; porcelain; earthenware
42 - Scientific, technological and industrial services, research and design
Goods & Services
Valves; Valves, (parts of machines); hydraulically operated valves; water treatment equipment, namely, pumps for use in irrigation systems; pump control valves; hydraulically operated remote control valves for pumps and for use in irrigation systems; centrifugal pumps; submersible pumps; centrifugal separators; power-operated watering and/or irrigation hose reels; hydraulic valve actuators for use in irrigation systems; valves for pumps; machine tools; Agricultural spraying machines; spraying machines; Agricultural, gardening and forestry machines and apparatus; Agricultural implements, other than hand-operated; Horticultural machines and implements; Gardening tools (Electric); Gardening machines (Powered); irrigation installations for agricultural purposes, apparatus for aerating water; parts and fittings for all the aforesaid goods. Automatic electrical, digital, electronic, and electromechanical controls for irrigation systems, sprinklers and sprinkler systems; irrigation controllers in the nature of electrical, digital, electronic, and electromechanical irrigation controls for use in irrigation systems; environmentally responsive electronic controllers for irrigation systems; digital, electronic, electrical and electromechanical decoder controllers for irrigation systems; electronic controls; electronic control systems; encoder modules and decoder circuits for operating electronic irrigation controllers; electrical and electronic station modules for expanding the zone operating capacity of electronic irrigation controllers; sensors; electronic control modules and electronic accessory components, in the nature of sensors and electronic controller devices, for electronic irrigation controllers; measuring instruments and devices; controlling devices; remote controls; remote controls for irrigation systems; signaling apparatus and instruments; electric and electronic irrigation control panels; wireless electronic devices for use with irrigation controllers for controlling, operating, monitoring, managing, and/or analyzing irrigation systems and irrigation and water and water use; timers; electronic timers; transceivers; transmitters of electronic, optical, digital, radio, and/or data signals; transformers; control valves for regulating the flow of liquids; solenoid valves; power supplies; software; computer hardware; mobile application software; computer software applications, downloadable; software and computer hardware for controlling, automating, monitoring and/or analyzing irrigation systems, sprinkler systems and environmental conditions and water use; downloadable mobile applications; computer software and hardware for controlling, monitoring and/or analyzing irrigation systems, sprinkler systems, water use, environmental data, and growing conditions; computer programs and instruction manuals in electronic format for use with controlling, operating, monitoring, managing, and/or analyzing irrigation and sprinkler systems; electric, electronic, digital, and electromechanical sensors for use with operating irrigation and sprinkler controllers and/or irrigation and sprinkler systems; gauges; pressure gauges; rain gauges; gauges for use with irrigation systems in the nature of level gauges, wind speed gauges, temperature gauges, soil moisture gauges, salinity gauges, evapotranspiration gauges, moisture gauges; water level indicators; thermometers; surge protectors; electrical connectors; electrical switches; electrical wire; wire connectors; plug-in electrical connectors; integrated circuit modules; control circuits; automatic valves; solar cells; anemometers; pressure relief valves for use with drainage pipes; lighting controls; calculators; downloadable software in the nature of a mobile application for the control and monitoring of irrigation systems and of water use; software for automation; software for automation of water use; sonic devices for algae control that prevent algae growth; water meters; audio and video recordings; audio and video recordings about irrigation, and about irrigation and sprinkler systems and equipment, and about water usage, conservation, and management; electronic publications; downloadable electronic publications and educational course materials in the fields of irrigation, water conservation and science; hydraulically operated remote control valves in the nature of automatic control valves; electric valve actuators; non-metal cabinets, housings, and boxes in the nature of containers specially adapted for housing electronic irrigation controllers and automatic irrigation valves; electric valve actuators for use in irrigation systems; home automation hubs; parts and fittings for all the aforesaid goods. Irrigation sprinklers; irrigation sprinkler structural parts; irrigation systems and devices; irrigation apparatus for horticultural use; irrigation systems composed of irrigation sprinklers, valves, valve actuators, controllers, hoses and tubing, and other component and replacement parts therefor for watering or irrigation of agricultural crops, lawns, turf, horticultural and ornamental plants; sprinkler apparatus [automatic] for horticultural irrigation; lawn sprinkler systems comprising pumps, valves, and filters; irrigation systems comprising irrigation sprinklers, irrigation sprinkler spray bodies, spray nozzles, water emitters, valves, valve actuators, electronic controllers, sensors, timers, irrigation piping and tubing, filters, and replacement parts therefor; dripper irrigation systems comprising irrigation tubing, water emitters, water bubblers, valves, valve actuators, filters, electronic controllers, sensors, and replacement parts therefor; valves being parts of irrigation systems and valve replacement parts therefor; valves being parts of sprinkler systems; irrigation spray nozzles; irrigation sprinkler spray bodies; sprinkler heads for irrigation sprinklers; rotors as component parts for irrigation sprinklers for controlling the direction of irrigation spray nozzles; irrigation sprinklers, namely, irrigation emitters; irrigation sprinklers, namely, irrigation bubblers; non-metal pipe and tube fittings as structural parts of irrigation systems; non-metal water distribution manifolds for irrigation systems; water filters; water filters and filtering devices for irrigation systems; irrigation system water filters and water filter screens; pressure regulators for irrigation watering systems; water filtering apparatus; water filtering units for commercial, municipal or industrial use; water purification and filtration apparatus; water purification, sedimentation and filtration apparatus for clarification, thickening and filtration of water, waste water and industrial water; dust control systems comprising irrigation sprinklers and electronic controllers; automatic installations for watering; automatic irrigation, watering and sprinkler systems and installations; water intake apparatus; decorative fountains; plumbing fixtures; water-pipes for sanitary installations; regulating accessories for water apparatus and pipes; water conduit installations; water distribution installations; water supply apparatus and installations; watering installations, automatic; watering machines for agricultural purposes; environmental control apparatus and installations; parts and fittings for all the aforesaid goods. Hoses; flexible pipes, tubes and hoses, not of metal; Non-metallic hoses and flexible pipes; non-metal tubing; flexible tubes of plastic; non-metal hose fittings; irrigation hoses; non-metal tubing for irrigation; watering hoses; plastic tubes used in drip irrigation systems; non-metal irrigation hose and tube lines, hoses and drip tapes for drip irrigation; lawn hoses; irrigation hoses and tubing in the nature of polyethylene tubing for irrigation use; irrigation hoses and tubing in the nature of non-metal irrigation tubing; irrigation hoses and tubing in the nature of non-metal irrigation drip line tubing; irrigation hoses and tubing in the nature of non-metal irrigation tubing with emitters built into the tubing; non-metallic tubing, pipes, pipe joints, pipe couplings, hose connectors, hose repair couplings, riser pipes, pipe adapters, washers for fastening pipes or hoses, pipe markers, hose markers, hose collars and pipe collars; pipe fittings comprised primarily of plastic; parts and fittings for all the aforesaid goods. Valves of plastics, not including machine elements; water-pipe valves of plastic; cabinets and housings for valves and irrigation controllers; furniture; literature and correspondence racks [furniture]; stadium cushions; valves of plastic being other than machine parts; plastic hose hangers; plastic signs; drain traps [valves] of plastic; parts and fittings for all the aforesaid goods. Sprinklers; sprinklers for watering flowers, plants, and ground; sprinkler systems, comprising sprinklers, nozzles, emitters, valves, fittings, and couplings and structural parts for the foregoing for watering flowers, plants, and ground; sprinklers and sprinkler structural parts for watering plants, flowers, gardens, and lawns; sprinkler heads for watering plants, lawn, and/or garden; sprinkler nozzles for watering plants, lawn, and/or garden; sprinklers for watering, flowers, plants, and ground, namely, sprinkler emitters; hose nozzles; sprayers attached to garden hoses; basins; non-automatic irrigation, watering and sprinkler systems and installations; sprinkler apparatus; brushes; beverageware; drinking receptacles; cups; insulated cups; mugs; cork screws; sprinkler nozzles and hose nozzles; sprinkling devices; watering devices; parts and fittings for all the aforesaid goods. Design services; irrigation system design services for others; technical engineering consulting services in the field of irrigation and water use management; technical engineering consulting services in the field of irrigation systems and design of irrigation systems; providing a website containing technology that enables users to monitor, control, automate, and analyze irrigation and irrigation systems, to monitor and analyze environmental data and conditions, to prepare reports on irrigation and irrigation systems data and/or environmental data and conditions, to store and maintain irrigation and environmental data; software design; providing online, non-downloadable software; software as a service services; platform as a service services; providing online, non-downloadable software for monitoring, controlling and analyzing irrigation and irrigation systems and environmental conditions and growing environments; providing online, non-downloadable software for for monitoring and analyzing environmental data and conditions, for generating and providing alerts and notifications concerning irrigation systems and environmental and growing conditions; providing online, non-downloadable software for preparing reports on irrigation, irrigation systems, and/or environmental data and conditions, for storing and maintaining irrigation and environmental data; providing online, non-downloadable software for automation; providing online, non-downloadable software for automation of water use; providing technological and scientific information about water conservation and water usage management; design services for irrigation, watering and sprinkler systems; water analysis; scientific and technological services and research and design relating thereto; computer software consultancy; installation of computer software; updating of computer software.
The present embodiments provide systems, processes and/or methods of controlling irrigation. In some embodiments, methods are provided that receive (4112) water usage information corresponding to a first volumetric water usage at a site location having an irrigation controller (130), wherein the first volumetric water usage corresponds to volumetric water usage from a beginning of a budget period of time to a first time within the budget period of time; determine (4114) automatically whether a volumetric water budget at the site location will be met for the budget period of time based on at least the first volumetric water usage, the volumetric water budget corresponding to a specified volume of water for use during the budget period of time; determine (4116) automatically, in the event the volumetric water budget will not be met, an adjustment to the irrigation by the irrigation controller; and output (4118) signaling to effect the adjustment.
G05B 13/02 - Adaptive control systems, i.e. systems automatically adjusting themselves to have a performance which is optimum according to some preassigned criterion electric
99.
DATA MODULATED SIGNAL GENERATION IN A MULTI-WIRE IRRIGATION CONTROL SYSTEM
In some embodiments, apparatuses and methods are provided herein useful to providing power and data to an irrigation device. In some embodiments, encoder for an irrigation control unit that provides power and data to an irrigation device over a multi-wire path comprises: an AC to DC converter to convert an input AC signal into a DC voltage; an AC signal generator to generate an output AC signal modulated with data; a control circuit to provide a modulation control signal to the AC signal generator to control generation and modulation of the output AC signal, the data modulated on the output AC signal comprising commands in accordance with irrigation programming; and a multi-wire interface coupled to the AC signal generator to electrically couple to a multi-wire path extending into a landscape and to which irrigation devices may be connected.
A01G 25/00 - Watering gardens, fields, sports grounds or the like
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
100.
Data modulated signal generation in a multi-wire irrigation control system
In some embodiments, apparatuses and methods are provided herein useful to providing power and data to an irrigation device. In some embodiments, encoder for an irrigation control unit that provides power and data to an irrigation device over a multi-wire path comprises: an AC to DC converter to convert an input AC signal into a DC voltage; an AC signal generator to generate an output AC signal modulated with data; a control circuit to provide a modulation control signal to the AC signal generator to control generation and modulation of the output AC signal, the data modulated on the output AC signal comprising commands in accordance with irrigation programming; and a multi-wire interface coupled to the AC signal generator to electrically couple to a multi-wire path extending into a landscape and to which irrigation devices may be connected.
