US4834265A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Automatic watering device for decorative plants
Assignee: Medical Tech Systems Inc
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Filing: 1987-06-09
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Granted: 1989-05-30
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Expires: 2007-06-09
Abstract
Abstract An automatic watering system for decorative plants which has adjustable timing capabilities for providing periodic, unattended watering of plants. It further includes tubing with branching capability so that complex distribution systems that are unobstrusive and concealable may be constructed. It may have check valves and T-sections with built-in valves to prevent flooding. It has a unique monitoring system that indicates an alarm indication in case of flooding or failure to provide water. The system may be constructed as a low pressure system for small installations or a high pressure system drawing water directly from the water mains.
Inventors
- 👤 Stuart D. Snyder
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-03 06:10
CPC Classifications
A; A01; A01G; A01G27/00; A01G27/003
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 14
Claim 1
Independent Claim
158 words
A method of automatically watering individual decorative foliage located in an interior environment, the method substantially minimizing potential water damage to the interior environment, said method comprising the steps of: providing a water supply; providing a conduit from the water supply to the decorative foliage, said conduit having a branched network; individually controlling the flow of a portion of the water from the supply through the interior environment to each of the individual decorative foliage during recurring first predetermined time periods, separated by recurring second predetermined time periods, based on a flow control signal; generating the flow control signal having a time duration substantially equal to said first predetermined time period after every second predetermined time period; and said first predetermined time period having a time duration substantially less than said second predetermined time period, said first predetermined time period being less than one minute, thereby substantially minimizing any possible water damage to the environment should malfunction occur.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
158 words
A method of automatically watering individual decorative foliage located in an interior environment, the method substantially minimizing potential water damage to the interior environment, said method comprising the steps of: providing a water supply; providing a conduit from the water supply to the decorative foliage, said conduit having a branched network; individually controlling the flow of a portion of the water from the supply through the interior environment to each of the individual decorative foliage during recurring first predetermined time periods, separated by recurring second predetermined time periods, based on a flow control signal; generating the flow control signal having a time duration substantially equal to said first predetermined time period after every second predetermined time period; and said first predetermined time period having a time duration substantially less than said second predetermined time period, said first predetermined time period being less than one minute, thereby substantially minimizing any possible water damage to the environment should malfunction occur.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said first predetermined time period is less than twenty seconds.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of claim 1 further comprising the step of adjusting the amount of water the decorative foliage receives based on the water requirements of the foliage.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of claim 1 further comprising the step of inhibiting the flow of water during said recurring second predetermined time periods.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
37 words
The method of claim 1 further comprising the steps of: sensing the water pressure; monitoring the sensed pressure; and indicating a malfunction should the sensed pressure be above a predetermined level during said second predetermined time period.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
38 words
The method of claim 1 further comprising the steps of: sensing the water pressure; monitoring the sensed water pressure; and indicating a malfunction should the sensed pressure be below a predetermined level during said first predetermined time period.
Claim 8
Independent Claim
130 words
A method of automatically watering individual decorative foliage located in an interior environment, the method substantially minimizing potential water damage to the interior environment, said method comprising the steps of: counting a first predetermined time period on a recurring basis; transporting through a conduit a predetermined amount of water through the interior environment to the decorative foliage for a second predetermined time period after each recurring first predetermined time periods, said conduit having a branched network; and controlling the amount of water each of the individual decorative foliage receives during said second predetermined time period; said second predetermined time period being less than one minute, limiting the transportation of water through the interior environment to the decorative foliage, thereby minimizing potential water damage to the interior environment should malfunction occur.
Claim 9
Independent Claim
130 words
A method of automatically watering individual decorative foliage located in an interior environment, the method substantially minimizing potential water damage to the interior environment, said method comprising the steps of: counting a first predetermined time period on a recurring basis; transporting through a conduit a predetermined amount of water through the interior environment to the decorative foliage for a second predetermined time period after each recurring first predetermined time periods, said conduit having a branched network; and controlling the amount of water each of the individual decorative foliage receives during said second predetermined time period; said second predetermined time period being less than one minute, limiting the transportation of water through the interior environment to the decorative foliage, thereby minimizing potential water damage to the interior environment should malfunction occur.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 7 wherein said second predetermined time period is less than twenty seconds.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of claim 7 further comprising the step of adjusting the amount of water the decorative foliage receives based on the water requirements of the foliage.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of claim 7 further comprising the step of inhibiting the flow of water during said recurring first predetermined time periods.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
39 words
The method of claim 7 further comprising the steps of: sensing the water pressure transported; monitoring the sensed pressure; and indicating a system malfunction should the sensed pressure be above a predetermined level during said first predetermined time period.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
40 words
The method of claim 7 further comprising the steps of: sensing the water pressure transported; monitoring the sensed water pressure; and indicating a system malfunction should the sensed pressure be below a predetermined level during said second predetermined time period.
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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) | 1992-05-29 | 1992-11-28 | 1993-05-30 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1996-05-29 | 1996-11-28 | 1997-05-30 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2000-05-29 | 2000-11-28 | 2001-05-30 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |