US4569020A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Irrigation controller
Assignee: TELSCO INDUSTRIES INC POBOX 18205 DALLAS TX75218 A CORP OF TX
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Filing: 1983-05-26
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Granted: 1986-02-04
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Expires: 2003-05-26
Abstract
Abstract An automatic irrigation sprinkler controller (10) for controlling a plurality of sprinkler stations is provided. A processor (50) is provided for storing irrigation information and for generating control signals (96, 98) applied to the plurality of sprinkler stations. A function selector switch (18) is provided for allowing the operator to select a function and automatically input selected irrigation information associated with the selected function to the processor (50). Switches (20, 22) are provided for allowing the operator to select irrigation information for the function selected by the function selector switch (18).
Inventors
- 👤 Max E. Snoddy
- 👤 Charles S. Putnam
- 👤 Robert S. Gammenthaler
- 👤 William P. Lutts
- 👤 Leo L. Brewster
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-27 10:40
CPC Classifications
G; G05; G05B; G05B19/00; G05B19/02; G05B19/04; G05B19/042; G05B19/0428; A; A01; A01G; A01G25/00; A01G25/16; G05B19/0426; G05B19/10; G05B19/102; Y; Y02; Y02A; Y02A40/00; Y02A40/10; Y02A40/22; Y10; Y10T; Y10T137/00; Y10T137/8593; Y10T137/86389; Y10T137/86445; Y10T137/86461
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
136 words
An automatic irrigation sprinkler controller for controlling a plurality of sprinkler stations comprising: a microprocessor including means for storing irrigation information and means for generating control signals to actuate the plurality of sprinkler stations; a function selector switch rotatable to a plurality of positions to enable an operator to select one of a plurality of functions and to simultaneously input selected irrigation information associated with the selected function into said microprocessor upon rotation to another one of the plurality of positions; a plurality of switch means for allowing the operator to select irrigation information from a menu provided by said microprocessor depending upon the function selected by said function selector switch; and display means for displaying the irrigation information selected by said plurality of switch means depending upon the function selected by said function selector switch.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
136 words
An automatic irrigation sprinkler controller for controlling a plurality of sprinkler stations comprising: a microprocessor including means for storing irrigation information and means for generating control signals to actuate the plurality of sprinkler stations; a function selector switch rotatable to a plurality of positions to enable an operator to select one of a plurality of functions and to simultaneously input selected irrigation information associated with the selected function into said microprocessor upon rotation to another one of the plurality of positions; a plurality of switch means for allowing the operator to select irrigation information from a menu provided by said microprocessor depending upon the function selected by said function selector switch; and display means for displaying the irrigation information selected by said plurality of switch means depending upon the function selected by said function selector switch.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
184 words
An automatic irrigation sprinkler controller for controlling a plurality of sprinkler stations comprising: processor means for storing irrigation information and for generating control signals applied to the plurality of sprinkler stations for actuating the sprinkler stations based upon said stored irrigation information; function selector switch means rotatable between a plurality of switch positions for allowing an operator to select a function and automatically input selected irrigation information associated with the selected function into said processor means as said function selector switch means is rotated from one switch position to a subsequent switch position; first information switch means for allowing the operator to select hour, month and sprinkler station number irrigation information from a menu provided by said processor means; second information switch means for allowing the operator to select minute, day and day number irrigation information from a menu provided by said processor means; said first and second information switch means being selectively enabled by the position of said function selector switch means; and display means for displaying irrigation information selected by the operator through actuation of said first and second information switch means.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
184 words
An automatic irrigation sprinkler controller for controlling a plurality of sprinkler stations comprising: processor means for storing irrigation information and for generating control signals applied to the plurality of sprinkler stations for actuating the sprinkler stations based upon said stored irrigation information; function selector switch means rotatable between a plurality of switch positions for allowing an operator to select a function and automatically input selected irrigation information associated with the selected function into said processor means as said function selector switch means is rotated from one switch position to a subsequent switch position; first information switch means for allowing the operator to select hour, month and sprinkler station number irrigation information from a menu provided by said processor means; second information switch means for allowing the operator to select minute, day and day number irrigation information from a menu provided by said processor means; said first and second information switch means being selectively enabled by the position of said function selector switch means; and display means for displaying irrigation information selected by the operator through actuation of said first and second information switch means.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
41 words
The controller of claim 2, further comprising: weekly calendar switch means for selecting an irrigation cycle based upon days of the week; and means for indicating to the operator which days of the week have been selected for the irrigation cycle.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
25 words
The controller of claim 3, further comprising: calendar switch means for selecting an irrigation cycle based upon a six day or a seven day cycle.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
90 words
The controller of claim 2, further comprising a power source for operating a valve at each of the plurality of sprinkler stations for generating a source voltage; means for generating a reference voltage level; means for comparing the source voltage of the valve of each of the plurality of sprinkler stations with said reference voltage level; and means connected to said comparing means for preventing actuation of a sprinkler station having a defective valve indicated by said comparing means when the source voltage is less than said reference voltage level.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1989-02-03 | 1989-08-05 | 1990-02-04 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1993-02-03 | 1993-08-05 | 1994-02-04 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1997-02-03 | 1997-08-05 | 1998-02-04 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |