US4646224A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Sprinkler controller which computes sprinkler cycles based on inputted data
Assignee: LR Nelson Corp
•
Filing: 1983-12-05
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Granted: 1987-02-24
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Expires: 2003-12-05
Abstract
Abstract A sprinkler system including a controller having a manual data entry device, a processor and a sprinkler controller. Data is entered through the data entry means relating to conditions in each of a number of zones in which sprinkling is to occur with respect to the amount of water needed to be applied to that zone and the soil water infiltration rate. Upon receiving this information, the processor determines for each zone the number of cycles and the length of time in each cycle that water is to be applied not only so that the amount of water applied during each cycle does not exceed the amount of water the soil can absorb during that cycle, but also so that the total amount of water needed by that zone is applied. The processor employs the number of cycles and the length of on time per cycle to organize the cycles for all of the zones, creating an application program. The application program is employed by the sprinkler controller to generate control signals for executing the application program on an automatic basis. An operator provides data concerning which days an application is desired, the type of soil in the area to be irrigated, the type of sprinkler for each zone, the water need of the vegetation in each zone and the desired start time. Then, the controller calculates the number of cycles for each zone per application and the length of time in each cycle the sprinkler is to be on.
Inventors
- 👤 David P. Ransburg
- 👤 Douglas C. Fletcher
- 👤 Sven E. Wahlstrom
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-02 02:59
CPC Classifications
A; A01; A01G; A01G25/00; A01G25/16; A01G25/165; Y; Y10; Y10T; Y10T137/00; Y10T137/8593; Y10T137/86389; Y10T137/86445; Y10T137/86461
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 72
Claim 1
Independent Claim
203 words
Apparatus for controlling an irrigation system having a plurality of irrigation zones each having applicator means and means for selectively providing water to said applicator means in response to a control signal, said apparatus comprising: data entry means for manually entering prior to irrigation data related to conditions in each of said zones with respect to the amount of water needed to be applied and the soil water infiltration rate; processing means responsive to said data entry for performing the following functions: (1) accepting said conditions entered prior to irrigation with said data entry means, (2) determining for each zone the number of cycles and the length of time in each cycle that said applicator means applies water so that (a) the amount of water applied during each cycle does not exceed the amount of water the soil can absorb during that cycle and (b) the total amount of water needed in that zone is applied, and (3) organizing said number of cycles and said length of time for all of said zones to create an application program; and means responsive to said organizing function of said processing means for generating said control signals for said zones in accordance with the application program.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
203 words
Apparatus for controlling an irrigation system having a plurality of irrigation zones each having applicator means and means for selectively providing water to said applicator means in response to a control signal, said apparatus comprising: data entry means for manually entering prior to irrigation data related to conditions in each of said zones with respect to the amount of water needed to be applied and the soil water infiltration rate; processing means responsive to said data entry for performing the following functions: (1) accepting said conditions entered prior to irrigation with said data entry means, (2) determining for each zone the number of cycles and the length of time in each cycle that said applicator means applies water so that (a) the amount of water applied during each cycle does not exceed the amount of water the soil can absorb during that cycle and (b) the total amount of water needed in that zone is applied, and (3) organizing said number of cycles and said length of time for all of said zones to create an application program; and means responsive to said organizing function of said processing means for generating said control signals for said zones in accordance with the application program.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
193 words
Apparatus for controlling an irrigation system having a plurality of irrigation zones each having applicator means and means for selectively providing water to said applicator means in response to a control signal, said apparatus comprising: data entry means for manually entering prior to irrigation data related to condiitons in each of said zones including the soil water infiltration rate; processing means responsive to said data entry means for performing the following functions: (1) accepting said conditions entered prior to irrigation with said data entry means, (2) determining for each zone the number of cycles and the length of time in each cycle that said applicator means applies water so that (a) the amount of water applied during each cycle does not exceed the amount of water the soil can absorb during that cycle and (b) the total amount of water needed in that zone is applied, and (3) organizing said number of cycles and said length of time for all of said zone to create and application program; and means responsive to said organizing function of said processing means for generating said control signals for said zones in accordance with the application program.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
193 words
Apparatus for controlling an irrigation system having a plurality of irrigation zones each having applicator means and means for selectively providing water to said applicator means in response to a control signal, said apparatus comprising: data entry means for manually entering prior to irrigation data related to condiitons in each of said zones including the soil water infiltration rate; processing means responsive to said data entry means for performing the following functions: (1) accepting said conditions entered prior to irrigation with said data entry means, (2) determining for each zone the number of cycles and the length of time in each cycle that said applicator means applies water so that (a) the amount of water applied during each cycle does not exceed the amount of water the soil can absorb during that cycle and (b) the total amount of water needed in that zone is applied, and (3) organizing said number of cycles and said length of time for all of said zone to create and application program; and means responsive to said organizing function of said processing means for generating said control signals for said zones in accordance with the application program.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
154 words
Apparatus as in claim 2 wherein: said apparatus further comprises water volume entry means for manually entering data related to the overall amount of water needed in all of said zones; said data entry means includes means for manually entering data related to the general amount of water needed by vegetation in each of said zones; and said processing means is further responsive to said water volume entry means for determining for each zone the number of cycles and the length of time in each cycle that said applicator means applies water so that the amount of water applied during each cycle does not exceed the amount of water the soil can absorb during that cycle, taking into consideration said water volume entry means and said data entry means, and the total amount of water needed in that zone is applied in accordance with said water volume entry means and said data entry means.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
155 words
Apparatus as in claim 2 wherein: said apparatus further comprises day entry means for manually entering data related to the days on which irrigation is to occur; said data entry means includes means for manually entering data related to the amount of water needed by vegetation in each of said zones; and said processing means is also responsive to said day entry means for determining for each zone the number of cycles and the length of time in each cycle that said applicator means applies water so that the amount of water applied during each cycle, on the days specified, in accordance with the specified amount of water needed for vegetation, does not exceed the amount of water the soil can absorb during that cycle and the total amount of water needed in that zone is applied over the days selected in accordance with the selected amount of water needed for vegetation in each zone.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
85 words
Apparatus as in claim 2 wherein: said data entry means includes means for manually entering data related to the type of said applicator means employed in each zone and the amount of water needed by vegetation in each zone; and said processing means determines the number of cycles and the length of time in each cycle for each of said zones in accordance with the type of said applicator means specified and the specified amount of water needed by vegetation in each of said zones.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
154 words
Apparatus as in claim 2 wherein: said apparatus further comprises water volume entry means for manually entering data related to the overall amount of water needed to be applied to all of said zones and day entry means for manually entering data related to the days on which irrigation is to occur; said data entry means includes means for manually entering data related to the amount of water needed by vegetation in each of said zones; and said processing means is also responsive to said water volume entry means and said day entry means for determining for each zone the number of cycles and the length of time in each cycle in accordance with the overall water volume specified by said water volume entry means, the days on which irrigation is to occur as specified by said day entry means and the specified amount of water needed for vegetation in each of said zones.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
129 words
Apparatus as in claim 2, wherein: said apparatus further comprises water volume entry means for manually entering data related to the overall amount of water needed to be applied to all of said zones; said data entry means includes means for manually entering data related to the type of said applicator means employed in each of said zones and the amount of water needed to be applied to vegetation in each of said zones; and said processing means is also responsive to said water volume entry means for determining for each zone the number of cycles and the length of time in each cycle in accordacne with the overall water volume specified, the type of said applicator means specified and the water needs of vegetation in each zone specified.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
134 words
Apparatus as in claim 2, wherein: said apparatus further comprises day entry means for manually entering data related to the days on which irrigation is to occur; said data entry means includes means for manually entering data related to the type of said applicator means employed in each zone and the amount of water needed to be applied for vegetation in each zone; and said processing means is also responsive to said water volume entry means for determining for each zone the number of cycles and the length of time in each cycle that said applicator means applies water in accordance with the specified days on which irrigation is to occur, the specified type of said applicator means employed in each zone and the specified amount of water needed for vegetation in each zone.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
233 words
Apparatus for controlling an irrigation system having a plurality of irrigation zones each having applicator means and means for selectively providing water to said applicator means in response to a control signal, said apparatus comprising: data entry means for manually entering prior to irrigation data related to conditions in each of said zone; water volume entry means for manually entering data prior to irrigation related to the overall amount of water needed across all of said zones; processing means responsive to said data entry means and said water volume entry means for performing the following functions: (1) accepting said conditions entered prior to irrigation with said data entry means and said overall amount of water entered prior to irrigation with said water volume entry means, (2) determining for each zone the number of cycles and the length of time in each cycle that said applicator means applies water so that (a) the amount of water applied during each cycle does not exceed the amount of water the soil can absorb during that cycel and (b) the total amount of water needed in that zone is applied, and (3) organizing said number of cycles and said length of time for all of said zones to create an application program; and means responsive to said organizing function of said processing means for generating said control signals for said zones in accordance with the application program.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
233 words
Apparatus for controlling an irrigation system having a plurality of irrigation zones each having applicator means and means for selectively providing water to said applicator means in response to a control signal, said apparatus comprising: data entry means for manually entering prior to irrigation data related to conditions in each of said zone; water volume entry means for manually entering data prior to irrigation related to the overall amount of water needed across all of said zones; processing means responsive to said data entry means and said water volume entry means for performing the following functions: (1) accepting said conditions entered prior to irrigation with said data entry means and said overall amount of water entered prior to irrigation with said water volume entry means, (2) determining for each zone the number of cycles and the length of time in each cycle that said applicator means applies water so that (a) the amount of water applied during each cycle does not exceed the amount of water the soil can absorb during that cycel and (b) the total amount of water needed in that zone is applied, and (3) organizing said number of cycles and said length of time for all of said zones to create an application program; and means responsive to said organizing function of said processing means for generating said control signals for said zones in accordance with the application program.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
24 words
An irrigation system according to claim 9, wherein said controlling means is also for testing said lines prior to generation of said control signals.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
232 words
Apparatus for controlling an irrigation system having a plurality of irrigation zones each having applicator means and means for selectively providing water to said applicator means in response to a control signal, said apparatus comprising: data entry means for manually entering prior to irrigation data related to conditions in each of said zones; day entry means for manually entering prior to irrigation the days of the week on which irrigation is to occur; processing means responsive to said data entry means and said day entry means for performing the following functions: (1) accepting said conditions entered prior to irrigation with said data entry means and said days entered prior to irrigation with said day entry means, (2) determining for each zone the number of cycles and the length of time in each cycle that said applicator means applies water during the selected days so that (a) the amount of water applied during each cycle does not exceed the amount of water the soil can absorb during that cycle, and (b) the total amount of water needed in that zone is applied during the selected days, and (3) organizing said number of cycles and said length of time for all of said zones to create an application program; and means responsive to said organizing function of said processing means for generating said control signals for said zones in accordance with the application program.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
232 words
Apparatus for controlling an irrigation system having a plurality of irrigation zones each having applicator means and means for selectively providing water to said applicator means in response to a control signal, said apparatus comprising: data entry means for manually entering prior to irrigation data related to conditions in each of said zones; day entry means for manually entering prior to irrigation the days of the week on which irrigation is to occur; processing means responsive to said data entry means and said day entry means for performing the following functions: (1) accepting said conditions entered prior to irrigation with said data entry means and said days entered prior to irrigation with said day entry means, (2) determining for each zone the number of cycles and the length of time in each cycle that said applicator means applies water during the selected days so that (a) the amount of water applied during each cycle does not exceed the amount of water the soil can absorb during that cycle, and (b) the total amount of water needed in that zone is applied during the selected days, and (3) organizing said number of cycles and said length of time for all of said zones to create an application program; and means responsive to said organizing function of said processing means for generating said control signals for said zones in accordance with the application program.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
217 words
Apparatus for controlling an irrigation system having a plurality of irrigation zones each having applicator means and means for selectively providing water to said applicator means in response to a control signal, said apparatus comprising: data entry means for manually entering prior to irrigation data related to conditions in each of said zones including the type of said applicator means being used in each of said zones; processing means responsive to said data entry means for performing the following functions: (1) accepting said conditions entered prior to irrigation with said data entry means, (2) determining for each zone the number of cycles and the length of time in each cycle that said applicator means applies water so that (a) the amount of water applied during each cycle does not exceed the amount of water the soil can absorb during that cycle, given the type of applicator means being employed, and (b) the total amount of water needed in that zone is applied, given the type of applicator means being employed, and (3) organizing said number of cycles and said length of time for all of said zones to create an application program: and means responsive to said organizing function of said processing means for generating said control signals for said zones in accordance with the application program.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
217 words
Apparatus for controlling an irrigation system having a plurality of irrigation zones each having applicator means and means for selectively providing water to said applicator means in response to a control signal, said apparatus comprising: data entry means for manually entering prior to irrigation data related to conditions in each of said zones including the type of said applicator means being used in each of said zones; processing means responsive to said data entry means for performing the following functions: (1) accepting said conditions entered prior to irrigation with said data entry means, (2) determining for each zone the number of cycles and the length of time in each cycle that said applicator means applies water so that (a) the amount of water applied during each cycle does not exceed the amount of water the soil can absorb during that cycle, given the type of applicator means being employed, and (b) the total amount of water needed in that zone is applied, given the type of applicator means being employed, and (3) organizing said number of cycles and said length of time for all of said zones to create an application program: and means responsive to said organizing function of said processing means for generating said control signals for said zones in accordance with the application program.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
212 words
Apparatus for controlling an irrigation system having a plurality of irrigation zones each having applicator means and means for selectively providing water to said applicator means in response to a control signal, said apparatus comprising: data entry means for manually entering prior to irrigation data related to conditions in each of said zones including a general indication of the amount of water needed by vegetation in each of said zones; processing means responsive to said data entry means for performing the following functions: (1) accepting said conditions entered prior to irrigation with said data entry means, (2) determining for each zone the number of cycles and the length of time in each cycle that said applicator means applies water so that (a) the amount of water applied during each cycle does not exceed the amount of water the soil can absorb during that cycle, and (b) the total amount of water needed in that zone, as determined in accordance with the vegetation needs, is applied, and (3) organizing said number of cycles and said length of time for all of said zones to create an application program; and means responsive to said organizing function of said processing means for generating said control signals for said zones in accordance with the application program.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
212 words
Apparatus for controlling an irrigation system having a plurality of irrigation zones each having applicator means and means for selectively providing water to said applicator means in response to a control signal, said apparatus comprising: data entry means for manually entering prior to irrigation data related to conditions in each of said zones including a general indication of the amount of water needed by vegetation in each of said zones; processing means responsive to said data entry means for performing the following functions: (1) accepting said conditions entered prior to irrigation with said data entry means, (2) determining for each zone the number of cycles and the length of time in each cycle that said applicator means applies water so that (a) the amount of water applied during each cycle does not exceed the amount of water the soil can absorb during that cycle, and (b) the total amount of water needed in that zone, as determined in accordance with the vegetation needs, is applied, and (3) organizing said number of cycles and said length of time for all of said zones to create an application program; and means responsive to said organizing function of said processing means for generating said control signals for said zones in accordance with the application program.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
99 words
Apparatus as in claim 2, 11, 12, or 13 wherein: said apparatus further comprises water volume entry means for manually entering data related to overall changes in the amount of water needed in all of said zones; and said processing means is responsive also to said water volume entry means for determining for each zone the number of cycles and the length of time in each cycle that said applicator means applies water so that the total amount of water needed in that zone in accordance with said data entry means and said water volume entry means is applied.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
106 words
Apparatus as in claim 2, 12 or 13 wherein: said apparatus further comprises day entry means for manually entering data related to the days of the week irrigation is to occur; and said processing means is also responsive to said day entry means for determining for each zone the number of cycles and the length of time in each cycle that said applicator means applies water so that the amount of water applied during each cycle does not exceed the amount of water the soil can absorb during that cycle and the total amount of water needed in that zone is applied in the selected days.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
109 words
Apparatus as in claim 2 or 13 wherein: said data entry means includes means for manually entering data related to the type of applicator means employed in each of said zones; and said processing means determines for each zone the number of cycles and the length of time in each cycle that said applicator means applies water so that the amount of water applied during each cycle, given the type of applicator means employed, does not exceed the amount of water the soil can absorb during that cycle and the total amount of water needed in that zone is applied in view of the type of applicator means employed.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
147 words
Apparatus as in claim 2, 12 or 13 further comprising: water volume entry means for manually entering data related to changes in the amount of water needed across all of said zones; and day entry means for entering data related to the days on which irrigation is to occur, said processing means also being responsive to said water volume entry means and said day entry means for determining for each zone the number of cycles and length of time in each cycle that said applicator means applies water so that the amount of water applied during each cycle does not exceed the amount of water the soil can absorb during that cycle and the total amount of water needed in that zone is applied in view of the total water volume selected with said water volume entry means and the days selected by said day entry means.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
146 words
Apparatus as in claim 2 or 13, wherein: said apparatus further comprises water volume entry means for manually entering data related to the overall amount of water needed generally in all of said zones; said data entry means includes means for manually entering data related to the type of said applicator means employed in each of said zones; and said processing means is also responsive to said water volume entry means for determining for each zone the number of cycles and the length of time in each cycle that said applicator means applies water so that the amount of water applied during each cycle does not exceed the amount of water the soil can absorb during that cycle and the total amount of water needed in that zone is applied, taking into consideration the type of said applicator means specified and the overall water volume specified.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
148 words
Apparatus as in claim 2 or 13 wherein: said apparatus further comprises day entry means for manually entering data related to the days on which irrigation is to occur; said data entry means includes means for specifying the type of said applicator means employed in each of said zones; and said processing means is also responsive to said day entry means for determining for each zone the number of cycles and the length of time in each cycle that said applicator means applies water so that the amount of water applied during each cycle, as determined in accordance with the entered days and type of applicator means selected, does not exceed the amount of water the soil can absorb during that cycle and the total amount of water needed in that zone is applied on the selected days in accordance with the type of said applicator means selected.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
153 words
Apparatus as in claim 2 or 13 wherein: said apparatus further comprises water volume entry means for manually entering data related to the overall amount of water needed to be applied in all of said zones and day entry means for manually entering data related to the days on which irrigation is to occur; said data entry means includes means for manually entering data related to the type of said applicator means employed in each of said zones; and said processing menas is also responsive to said water volume entry means and said day entry means for determining for each zone the number of cycles and the length of time in each cycle in accordance with the overall water volume specified by said water volume entry means, the days on which irrigation is to occur as specified by said day entry means and the type of said applicator means employed in each zone.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
293 words
Apparatus for controlling an irrigation system having a plurality of irrigation zones each having applicator means and means for selectively providing water to said applicator means in response to a control signal, said apparatus comprising: water volume entry means for manually entering prior to irrigation data related to the overall amount of water needed to be applied to all of said zones; day entry means for manually entering prior to irrigation data related to days on which irrigation is to occur; data entry means for manually entering prior to irrigation data related to conditions in each of said zones including the amount of water needed to be applied for vegetation in each of said zones, the soil water infiltration rate and the type of said applicator means employed in each of said zones; processing means, responsive to said water volume entry means, said day entry means and said data entry means for performing the following functions: (1) accepting said data entered prior to irrigation with said water volume entry means, day entry means and data entry means, (2) determining for each zone, in accordance with all of the accepted data, the number of cycles and the length of time in each cycle that said applicator means applies water so that (a) the amount of water applied during each cycle does not exceed the amount of water the soil can absorb during that cycle and (b) the total amount of water needed in that zone is applied, and (3) organizing said number of cycles and said length of time for all of said zones to create an application program; and means responsive to said organizing function of said processing means for generating said control signals for said zones in accordance with the application program.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
293 words
Apparatus for controlling an irrigation system having a plurality of irrigation zones each having applicator means and means for selectively providing water to said applicator means in response to a control signal, said apparatus comprising: water volume entry means for manually entering prior to irrigation data related to the overall amount of water needed to be applied to all of said zones; day entry means for manually entering prior to irrigation data related to days on which irrigation is to occur; data entry means for manually entering prior to irrigation data related to conditions in each of said zones including the amount of water needed to be applied for vegetation in each of said zones, the soil water infiltration rate and the type of said applicator means employed in each of said zones; processing means, responsive to said water volume entry means, said day entry means and said data entry means for performing the following functions: (1) accepting said data entered prior to irrigation with said water volume entry means, day entry means and data entry means, (2) determining for each zone, in accordance with all of the accepted data, the number of cycles and the length of time in each cycle that said applicator means applies water so that (a) the amount of water applied during each cycle does not exceed the amount of water the soil can absorb during that cycle and (b) the total amount of water needed in that zone is applied, and (3) organizing said number of cycles and said length of time for all of said zones to create an application program; and means responsive to said organizing function of said processing means for generating said control signals for said zones in accordance with the application program.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
73 words
Apparatus as in claim 1, 2, 9, 11, 12, 13 or 21, wherein: said irrigation system includes a pump for providing water to said zones and valve means, responsive to said control signals, for selectively permitting water from said pump to reach said applicator means in each zone; and said control signal generating means includes means for energizing said pump a predetermined period of time before any of said valve means are actuated.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
62 words
Apparatus as in claim 1, 2, 9, 11, 12, 13 or 21, wherein: said apparatus further comprises lines for conducting said control signals to said providing means in each of said zones; and said processing means also causes said generating means to test at least said lines for zones to which water is to be provided prior to generating said control signals.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
27 words
Apparatus as in claim 1, 2, 9, 11, 12, 13 or 21, wherein said processing means repeatedly performs said functions (1) through (3) at predetermined time intervals.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
50 words
Apparatus as in claim 1, 2, 9, 11, 12, 13 or 21, wherein said organizing function of said processing means orders said cycles to occur sequentially, one cycle for each of said zones in which watering is to occur, before the next cycle is selected for any of said zones.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
56 words
Apparatus as in claim 1, 2, 9, 11, 12, 13 or 21, wherein: said apparatus further comprises start time entry means for manually entering a time at which said application program is to begin; and said generating means generates said control signals in response to coincidence between said start time and the present time of day.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
39 words
Apparatus as in claim 1, 2, 9, 11, 12, 13 or 21, wherein: said apparatus further comprises means for generating a manual operation signal; and said generating means initiates said control signals in response to said manual operation signal.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
117 words
An irrigation system comprising: a plurality of applicators disposed in a plurality of irrigation zones; a pump for providing water to said irrigation zones; valve means for providing water from said pump to said applicators in selected zones; and control means for determining for each zone the number of cycles and the lengh of time in each cycle that said applicator apply water and for actuating said pump and said valve means in responsive to said determination, said pump being energized a predetermined period of time before any of said valve means is opened to provide water having at least a predetermined pressure to a corresponding one of said zones prior to opening of said valve means.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
117 words
An irrigation system comprising: a plurality of applicators disposed in a plurality of irrigation zones; a pump for providing water to said irrigation zones; valve means for providing water from said pump to said applicators in selected zones; and control means for determining for each zone the number of cycles and the lengh of time in each cycle that said applicator apply water and for actuating said pump and said valve means in responsive to said determination, said pump being energized a predetermined period of time before any of said valve means is opened to provide water having at least a predetermined pressure to a corresponding one of said zones prior to opening of said valve means.
Claim 37
Independent Claim
165 words
A method for controlling an irrigation system having a plurality of irrigation zones each having applicator means and means for selectively providing water to said applicator means in response to a control signal, said method comprising the steps of: manually entering with an input device prior to irrigation data related to conditions in each of said zones including the amount of water needed to be applied and the soil water infiltration rate; electronically determining for each zone the number of cycles and the length of time in each cycle that said applicator means applies water from said data manually entered prior to irrigation so that (a) the amount of water the soil can absorb during that cycle and (b) the total amount of water needed in that zone is applied; electronically organizing the number of cycles and said length of time for all of said zones to create an application program; and generating said control signals for said zones in accordance with the application program.
Claim 38
Independent Claim
165 words
A method for controlling an irrigation system having a plurality of irrigation zones each having applicator means and means for selectively providing water to said applicator means in response to a control signal, said method comprising the steps of: manually entering with an input device prior to irrigation data related to conditions in each of said zones including the amount of water needed to be applied and the soil water infiltration rate; electronically determining for each zone the number of cycles and the length of time in each cycle that said applicator means applies water from said data manually entered prior to irrigation so that (a) the amount of water the soil can absorb during that cycle and (b) the total amount of water needed in that zone is applied; electronically organizing the number of cycles and said length of time for all of said zones to create an application program; and generating said control signals for said zones in accordance with the application program.
Claim 39
Independent Claim
167 words
A method for controlling an irrigation system having a plurality of irrigation zones each having applicator means and means for selectively providing water to said applicator means in response to a control signal, said method comprising the steps of: manually entering with an input device prior to irrigation data related to conditions in each of said zones including the soil water infiltration rate; electronically determining for each zone the number of cycles and the length of time in each cycle that said applicator means applies water from said data manually entered prior to irrigation so that (a) the amount of water applied during each cycle does not exceed the amount of water the soil can absorb during that cycle and (b) the total amount of water needed in that zone is applied; electronically organizing said number of cycles and said length of time for all of said zones to create an application program; and generating said control signals for said zones in accordance with the application program.
Claim 40
Independent Claim
167 words
A method for controlling an irrigation system having a plurality of irrigation zones each having applicator means and means for selectively providing water to said applicator means in response to a control signal, said method comprising the steps of: manually entering with an input device prior to irrigation data related to conditions in each of said zones including the soil water infiltration rate; electronically determining for each zone the number of cycles and the length of time in each cycle that said applicator means applies water from said data manually entered prior to irrigation so that (a) the amount of water applied during each cycle does not exceed the amount of water the soil can absorb during that cycle and (b) the total amount of water needed in that zone is applied; electronically organizing said number of cycles and said length of time for all of said zones to create an application program; and generating said control signals for said zones in accordance with the application program.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
125 words
A method as in claim 30 wherein: said method further comprises the step of manually entering data related to the overall amount of water needed in all of said zones; said conditions entering step enters data related to the general amount of water needed by vegetation in each of said zones; and said determining step determines for each zone the number of cycles and the length of time in each cycle that said applicator means applies water so that the amount of water applied during each cycle does not exceed the amount of water the soil can absorb during that cycle, taking into consideration said entered data, and the total amount of water needed in that zone is applied in accordance with said entered data.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
142 words
A method as in claim 30 wherein: said method further comprises the step of manually entering data related to the days on which irrigation is to occur; said conditions entering step enters data related to the amount of water needed by vegetation in each of said zones; and said determining step determines for each zone the number of cycles and the length of time in each cycle that said applicator means applies water so that the amount of water applied during each cycle on the days specified in accordance with the specified amount of water needed for vegetation does not exceed the amount of water the soil can absorb during that cycle and the total amount of water needed in that zone is applied over the days selected in accordance with the selected amount of water needed for vegetation in each zone.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
80 words
Apparatus as in claim 30 wherein: said entering step enters data related to the type of said applicator means employed in each zone and the amount of water needed by vegetation in each zone: and said determining step determines the number of cycles and the length of time in each cycle for each of said zones in accordance with the type of said applicator means specified and the specified amount of water needed by vegetation in each of said zones.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
117 words
A method as in claim 30 wherein: said method further comprises the steps of manually entering data related to the overall amount of water needed to be applied to all of said zones and manually entering data related to the days on which irrigation is to occur; said conditions entering step enters data related to the amount of water needed by vegetation in each of said zones; and said determining step determines for each zone the number of cycles and the length of time in each cycle in accordance with the overall water volume specified, the days on which irrigation is to occur and the specified amount of water needed for vegetation in each of said zones.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
114 words
A method as in claim 30 wherein: said method further comprises the step of manually entering data related to the overall amount of water needed to be applied to all of said zones; said conditions entering step enters data related to the type of said applicator means imployed in each of said zones and the amount of water needed to be applied to vegetation in each of said zones; and said determining step determines for each zone the number of cycles and the length of time in each cycle in accordance with the overall water volume specified, the type of said applicator means specified and the water needs of vegetation in each zone specified.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
120 words
A method as in claim 30 wherein: said method further comprises the step of manually entering data related to the days on which irrigation is to occur; said conditions entering step enters data related to the type of said applicator means employed in each zone and the amount of water needed to be applied for vegetation in each zone; and said determining step determines for each zone the number of cycles and the length of time in each cycle that said applicator means applies water in accordance with the specified days on which irrigation is to occur, the specified type of said applicator means employed in each zone and the specified amount of water needed for vegetation in each zone.
Claim 47
Independent Claim
184 words
A method for controlling an irrigation system having a plurality of irrigation zones each having applicator means and means for selectively providing water to said applicator means in response to a control signal, said method comprising the steps of: manually entering with an input device prior to irrigation data related to conditions in each of said zones; manually entering with an input device prior to irrigation data related to the overall amount of water needed across all of said zones; electronically determining for each zone the number of cycles and the length of time in each cycle that said applicator means applies water from said data manually entered prior to irrigation so that (a) the amount of water applied during each cycle does not exceed the amount of water the soil can absorb during that cycle and (b) the total amount of water needed in that zone is applied; electronically organizing said number of cycles and said length of time for all of said zones to create an application program; and generating said control signals for said zones in accordance with the application program.
Claim 48
Independent Claim
184 words
A method for controlling an irrigation system having a plurality of irrigation zones each having applicator means and means for selectively providing water to said applicator means in response to a control signal, said method comprising the steps of: manually entering with an input device prior to irrigation data related to conditions in each of said zones; manually entering with an input device prior to irrigation data related to the overall amount of water needed across all of said zones; electronically determining for each zone the number of cycles and the length of time in each cycle that said applicator means applies water from said data manually entered prior to irrigation so that (a) the amount of water applied during each cycle does not exceed the amount of water the soil can absorb during that cycle and (b) the total amount of water needed in that zone is applied; electronically organizing said number of cycles and said length of time for all of said zones to create an application program; and generating said control signals for said zones in accordance with the application program.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
21 words
A method as in claim 37 further comprising the step of testing said lines prior to generation of said control signals.
Claim 50
Independent Claim
189 words
A method for controlling an irrigation system having a plurality of irrigation zones each having applicator means and means for selectively providing water to said applicator means in response to a control signal, said method comprising the steps of: manually entering with an input device prior to irrigation data related to conditions in each of said zones; manually entering with an input device prior to irrigation the days of the week on which irrigation is to occur; electronically determining for each zone the number of cycles and the length of time in each cycle that said applicator means applies water during the selected days from said data manually entered prior to irrigation so that (a) the amount of water applied during each cycle does not exceed the amount of water the soil can absorb during that cycle, and (b) the total amount of water needed in that zone is applied during the selected days; electronically organizing said number of cycles and said length of time for all of said zones to create an application program; and generating said control signals for said zones in accordance with the application program.
Claim 51
Independent Claim
189 words
A method for controlling an irrigation system having a plurality of irrigation zones each having applicator means and means for selectively providing water to said applicator means in response to a control signal, said method comprising the steps of: manually entering with an input device prior to irrigation data related to conditions in each of said zones; manually entering with an input device prior to irrigation the days of the week on which irrigation is to occur; electronically determining for each zone the number of cycles and the length of time in each cycle that said applicator means applies water during the selected days from said data manually entered prior to irrigation so that (a) the amount of water applied during each cycle does not exceed the amount of water the soil can absorb during that cycle, and (b) the total amount of water needed in that zone is applied during the selected days; electronically organizing said number of cycles and said length of time for all of said zones to create an application program; and generating said control signals for said zones in accordance with the application program.
Claim 52
Independent Claim
191 words
A method for controlling an irrigation system having a plurality of irrigation zones each having applicator means and means for selectively providing water to said applicator means in response to a control signal, said method comprising the steps of: manually entering with an input device prior to irrigation data related to conditions in each of said zones including the type of said applicator means being used in each of said zones; electronically determining for each zone the number of cycles and the length of time in each cycle that said applicator means applies water from said data manually entered prior to irrigation so that (a) the amount of water applied during each cycle does not exceed the amount of water the soil can absorb during that cycle, given the type of applicator means being employed, and (b) the total amount of water needed in that zone is applied, given the type of applicator means being employed; electronically organizing said number of cycles and said length of time for all of said zones to create an application program; and generating said control signals for said zones in accordance with the application program.
Claim 53
Independent Claim
191 words
A method for controlling an irrigation system having a plurality of irrigation zones each having applicator means and means for selectively providing water to said applicator means in response to a control signal, said method comprising the steps of: manually entering with an input device prior to irrigation data related to conditions in each of said zones including the type of said applicator means being used in each of said zones; electronically determining for each zone the number of cycles and the length of time in each cycle that said applicator means applies water from said data manually entered prior to irrigation so that (a) the amount of water applied during each cycle does not exceed the amount of water the soil can absorb during that cycle, given the type of applicator means being employed, and (b) the total amount of water needed in that zone is applied, given the type of applicator means being employed; electronically organizing said number of cycles and said length of time for all of said zones to create an application program; and generating said control signals for said zones in accordance with the application program.
Claim 54
Independent Claim
186 words
A method for controlling an irrigation system having a plurality of irrigation zones each having applicator means and means for selectively providing water to said applicator means in response to a control signal, said method comprising the steps of: manually entering with an input device prior to irrigation data related to conditions in each of said zones including a general indication of the amount of water needed by vegetation in each of said zones; electronically determining for each zone the number of cycles and the length of time in each cycle that said applicator means applies water from said data manually entered prior to irrigation so that (a) the amount of water applied during each cycle does not exceed the amount of water the soil can absorb during that sycle, and (b) the total amount of water needed in that zone, as determined in accordance with the vegetation needs, is applied; electronically organizing said number of cycles and said length of time for all of said zones to create an application program; and generating said control signals for said zones in accordance with the application program.
Claim 55
Independent Claim
186 words
A method for controlling an irrigation system having a plurality of irrigation zones each having applicator means and means for selectively providing water to said applicator means in response to a control signal, said method comprising the steps of: manually entering with an input device prior to irrigation data related to conditions in each of said zones including a general indication of the amount of water needed by vegetation in each of said zones; electronically determining for each zone the number of cycles and the length of time in each cycle that said applicator means applies water from said data manually entered prior to irrigation so that (a) the amount of water applied during each cycle does not exceed the amount of water the soil can absorb during that sycle, and (b) the total amount of water needed in that zone, as determined in accordance with the vegetation needs, is applied; electronically organizing said number of cycles and said length of time for all of said zones to create an application program; and generating said control signals for said zones in accordance with the application program.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
81 words
A method as in claim 30, 39, 40 or 41 wherein: said method further comprises the step of manually entering data related to overall changes in the amount of water needed in all of said zones; and said determining step determines for each zone the number of cycles and the length of time in each cycle that said applicator means applies water so that the total amount of water needed in that zone in accordance with said entered data is applied.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
97 words
A method as in claim 30, 40 or 41 wherein: said method further comprises the step of manually entering data related to the days of the week irrigation is to occur; and said determining step determines for each zone the number of cycles and the length of time in each cycle that said applicator means applies water so that the amount of water applied during each cycle does not exceed the amount of water the soil can absorb during that cycle and the total amount of water needed in that zone is applied in the selected days.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
105 words
A method as in claim 30 or 41 wherein: said entering step enters data related to the type of applicator means employed in each of said zones; and said determining step determines for each zone the number of cycles and the length of time in each cycle that said applicator means applies water so that the amount of water applied during each cycle, given the type of applicator means employed, does not exceed the amount of water the soil can absorb during that cycle and the total amount of water needed in that zone is applied in view of the type of applicator means employed.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
113 words
A method as in claim 30, 40 or 41 further comprising the steps of: manually entering data related to changes in the amount of water needed across all of said zones; and entering data related to the days on which irrigation is to occur, said determining step also determining for each zone the number of cycles and length of time in each cycle that said applicator means applies water so that the amount of water applied during each cycle does not exceed the amount of water the soil can absorb during that cycle and the total amount of water needed in that zone is applied in view of the total water volume selected.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
132 words
A method as in claim 30 or 41, wherein: said method further comprises the step of manually entering data realted to the overall amount of water needed generally in all of said zones; said conditions entering step also enters data related to the type of said applicator means employed in each of said zones; and said determining step determines for each zone the number of cycles and the length of time in each cycle that said applicator means applies water so that the amount of water applied during each cycle does not exceed the amount of water the soil can absorb during that cycle and the total amount of water needed in that zone is applied, taking into consideration the type of said applicator means specified and the overall water volume specified.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
136 words
A method as in claim 30 or 41 wherein: said method further comprises the step of manually entering data related to the days on which irrigation is to occur; said conditions entering step specifies the type of said applicator means employed in each of said zones; and said determining step determines for each zone the number of cycles and the length of time in each cycle that said applicator means applies water so that the amount of water applied during each cycle, as determined in accordance with the entered days and type of applicator means selected, does not exceed the amount of water the soil can absorb during that cycle and the total amount of water needed in that zone is applied on the selected days in accordance with the type of said applicator means selected.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
116 words
A method as in claim 30 or 41 wherein: said method further comprises the steps of manually entering data related to the overall amount of water needed to be applied in all of said zones and manually entering data related to the days on which irrigation is to occur; said conditions entering step enters data related to the type of said applicator means employed in each of said zones; and said determining step determines for each zone the number of cycles and the length of time in each cycle in accordance with the overall water volume specified, the days on which irrigation is to occur and the type of said applicator means employed in each zone.
Claim 63
Independent Claim
248 words
A method for controlling an irrigation system having a plurality of irrigation zones each having applicator means and means for selectively providing water to said applicator means in response to a control signal, said method comprising the steps of: manually entering with an input device prior to irrigation data related to the overall amount of water needed to be applied to all of said zones; manually entering with an input device prior to irrigation data related to days on which irrigation is to occur; manually entering with an input device prior to irrigation data related to conditions in each of said zones including the amount of water needed to be applied for vegetation in each of said zones, the soil water infiltration rate and the type of said applicator means employed in each of said zones; electronically determining for each zone, in accordance with all of the accepted data, the number of cycles and the length of time in each cycle that said applicator means applies water from said data manually entered prior to irrigation so that (a) the amount of water applied during each cycle does not exceed the amount of water the soil can absorb during that cycle and (b) the total amount of water needed in that zone is applied; electronically organizing said number of cycles and said length of time for all of said zones to create an application program; and generating said control signals for said zones in accordance with the application program.
Claim 64
Independent Claim
248 words
A method for controlling an irrigation system having a plurality of irrigation zones each having applicator means and means for selectively providing water to said applicator means in response to a control signal, said method comprising the steps of: manually entering with an input device prior to irrigation data related to the overall amount of water needed to be applied to all of said zones; manually entering with an input device prior to irrigation data related to days on which irrigation is to occur; manually entering with an input device prior to irrigation data related to conditions in each of said zones including the amount of water needed to be applied for vegetation in each of said zones, the soil water infiltration rate and the type of said applicator means employed in each of said zones; electronically determining for each zone, in accordance with all of the accepted data, the number of cycles and the length of time in each cycle that said applicator means applies water from said data manually entered prior to irrigation so that (a) the amount of water applied during each cycle does not exceed the amount of water the soil can absorb during that cycle and (b) the total amount of water needed in that zone is applied; electronically organizing said number of cycles and said length of time for all of said zones to create an application program; and generating said control signals for said zones in accordance with the application program.
Claim 65
Independent Claim
98 words
A method as in claims 29, 30, 37, 39, 40, 41 or 49, wherein: said irrigation system includes a pump for providing water to said zones and valve means, responsive to said control signals, for selectively permitting water from said pump to reach said applicator means in each zone; and said control signal generating step includes the step of energizing said pump a predetermined period of time before any of said valve means are actuated to provide water having at least a predetermined pressure to a corresponding one of said zones prior to opening of said valve means.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
56 words
A method as in claim 29, 30, 37, 39, 40, 41, or 49, wherein: lines conduct said control signals to said providing means in each of said zones; and said method further comprises the step of testing at least said lines for zones to which water is to be provided prior to generating said control signals.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
26 words
A method as in claim 29, 30, 37, 39, 40, 41 or 49, wherein said determining and organizing steps are repeatedly performed at predetermined time intervals.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
47 words
A method as in claim 29, 30, 37, 39, 40, 41 or 49, wherein said organizing step orders said cycles to occur sequentially, one cycle for each of said zones in which watering is to occur, before the next cycle is selected for any of said zones.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
55 words
A method as in claim 29, 30, 37, 39, 40, 41, or 49, wherein: said method further comprises the step of manually entering a time at which said application program is to begin: and said generating step generates said control signals in response to coincidence between said start time and the present time of day.
Claim 70
Dependent Claim
41 words
A method as in claim 29, 30, 37, 39, 40, 41 or 49, wherein: said method further comprises the step of generating a manual operation signal; and said generating step initiates said control signals in response to said manual operation signal.
Claim 71
Independent Claim
122 words
A method of operating an irrigation system having a plurality of applicator means disposed in a plurality of irrigation zones, a pump for providing water to said irrigation zones, and valve means for providing water from said pump to selected zones, said method comprising the steps of: determining for each zone the number of cycles and the length of time in each cycle that said applicator means applies water; and actuating said pump and said valve means in response to said determination, said pump being energized a predetermined period of time before any of said valve means is opened to provide water having at least a predetermined pressure to a corresponding one of said zones prior to opening of said valve means.
Claim 72
Independent Claim
122 words
A method of operating an irrigation system having a plurality of applicator means disposed in a plurality of irrigation zones, a pump for providing water to said irrigation zones, and valve means for providing water from said pump to selected zones, said method comprising the steps of: determining for each zone the number of cycles and the length of time in each cycle that said applicator means applies water; and actuating said pump and said valve means in response to said determination, said pump being energized a predetermined period of time before any of said valve means is opened to provide water having at least a predetermined pressure to a corresponding one of said zones prior to opening of said valve means.
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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) | 1990-02-23 | 1990-08-25 | 1991-02-24 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1994-02-23 | 1994-08-25 | 1995-02-24 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1998-02-23 | 1998-08-25 | 1999-02-24 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |