US4937732A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Irrigation controller
Assignee: James Hardie Irrigation Inc
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Filing: 1987-10-20
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Granted: 1990-06-26
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Expires: 2007-10-20
Abstract
Abstract An irrigation controller includes a microprocessor for controlling a plurality of watering stations under program control according to a plurality of parameter values, and a module dimensioned and arranged to enable a user to transport the module by hand. A memory is provide in the module for storing a set of the parameter values, and first and second mating connectors are provided on respective ones of a housing for the microprocessor and the module. The connectors are operationally connected to respective ones of the microprocessor and the memory circuit to enable the user to couple the memory means to the microprocessor in order to transfer the remotely programmed set of the parameter values to and from the microprocessor means. Microprocessor programming enables automatic watering interval adjustment, open circuit testing, and individual watering station shutdown in the event of a fault condition.
Inventors
- 👤 Andrea Brundisini
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-29 22:30
CPC Classifications
A; A01; A01G; A01G25/00; A01G25/16; E; E02; E02B; E02B13/00; Y; Y10; Y10T; Y10T137/00; Y10T137/8593; Y10T137/86389; Y10T137/86445; Y10T137/86461
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 25
Claim 1
Independent Claim
141 words
An irrigation controller, comprising: microprocessor means for controlling a plurality of watering stations under program control according to a plurality of parameter values; a module dimensioned and arranged to enable to user to transport the module by hand; said module including module memory means for storing a set of the parameter values; connector means, including mating first and second connectors operationally connected to respective ones of the microprocessor means and the module memory means, for enabling the user to removably couple the module memory means to the microprocessor means in order to enable transfer of the set of the parameter values between the microprocessor means and the module memory means; means for transferring the set of parameter values from the module memory means to the microprocessor means; and means for transferring information from the microprocessor means to the module memory means.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
141 words
An irrigation controller, comprising: microprocessor means for controlling a plurality of watering stations under program control according to a plurality of parameter values; a module dimensioned and arranged to enable to user to transport the module by hand; said module including module memory means for storing a set of the parameter values; connector means, including mating first and second connectors operationally connected to respective ones of the microprocessor means and the module memory means, for enabling the user to removably couple the module memory means to the microprocessor means in order to enable transfer of the set of the parameter values between the microprocessor means and the module memory means; means for transferring the set of parameter values from the module memory means to the microprocessor means; and means for transferring information from the microprocessor means to the module memory means.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
42 words
A controller as recited in claim 1, wherein the means for transferring the set of parameter values includes: means for reading and verifying a code word stored in the module memory means before initiating a transfer of the set of parameter values.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
38 words
A controller as recited in claim 1, wherein the means for transferring the set of parameter values includes: means for prompting a user to actuate a control panel switch on the controller in order to initiate a transfer.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
53 words
A controller as recited in claim 1, wherein the means for transferring the set of parameter values includes: means for enabling a user to initiate transfer of the set of parameter values from a user-selected one of a pair of first and second buffers in the module memory means to the microprocessor means.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
36 words
A controller as recited in claim 1, wherein the means for transferring the set of parameter values includes: means for communicating to a user that a transfer of the set of parameter values has been completed.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
158 words
An irrigation controller, comprising: a housing; microprocessor means mounted on the housing for controlling a plurality of watering stations under program control according to a plurality of parameter values; a module dimensioned and arranged to enable a user to transport the module by hand; said module including module memory means for storing a set of the parameter values; connector means, including mating first and second connectors mounted on respective ones of the housing and the module and operationally connected to respective ones of the microprocessor means and the module memory means, for enabling the user to removably couple the module memory means to the microprocessor means in order to enable transfer of the set of the parameter values between the microprocessor means and the module memory means; means for transferring the set of parameter values from the module memory means to the microprocessor means; and means for transferring information from the microprocessor means to the module memory means.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
158 words
An irrigation controller, comprising: a housing; microprocessor means mounted on the housing for controlling a plurality of watering stations under program control according to a plurality of parameter values; a module dimensioned and arranged to enable a user to transport the module by hand; said module including module memory means for storing a set of the parameter values; connector means, including mating first and second connectors mounted on respective ones of the housing and the module and operationally connected to respective ones of the microprocessor means and the module memory means, for enabling the user to removably couple the module memory means to the microprocessor means in order to enable transfer of the set of the parameter values between the microprocessor means and the module memory means; means for transferring the set of parameter values from the module memory means to the microprocessor means; and means for transferring information from the microprocessor means to the module memory means.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
15 words
A controller as recited in claim 6, wherein: the module memory means is battery powered.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
127 words
An irrigation controller, comprising: microprocessor means for activating each one of a plurality of watering stations under program control so that each one of the watering stations is activated for an assigned period of time indicated by a respective one of a plurality of stored parameter values; and first input means for coupling a first input signal to the microprocessor means while a first one of the watering stations is activated to indicate when the first watering station has been activated a desired length of time; the microprocessor means including means for adjusting the period of time that each one of the watering stations is activated according to the ratio of the desired length of time to the assigned period of time for the first watering station.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
127 words
An irrigation controller, comprising: microprocessor means for activating each one of a plurality of watering stations under program control so that each one of the watering stations is activated for an assigned period of time indicated by a respective one of a plurality of stored parameter values; and first input means for coupling a first input signal to the microprocessor means while a first one of the watering stations is activated to indicate when the first watering station has been activated a desired length of time; the microprocessor means including means for adjusting the period of time that each one of the watering stations is activated according to the ratio of the desired length of time to the assigned period of time for the first watering station.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
87 words
An irrigation controller as recited in claim 8, wherein the means for adjusting includes: means for timing the amount of the assigned period of time for the first one of the watering stations that occurs before the occurrence of the first input signal; means for computing the ratio of the amount of the assigned period of time that occurs to the total amount of the assigned period of time; and means for adjusting the period of time that each one of the watering stations is activated accordingly.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
19 words
A controller as defined in claim 1 wherein the module includes an energy source for the module memory means.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
113 words
An irrigation controller, comprising: microprocessor means for activating a plurality of watering stations under program control so that each of the watering stations is activated for an assigned period of time indicated by a respective one of a plurality of stored parameter values; first input means for coupling a first input signal to the microprocessor means while a first of the watering stations is activated to indicate when the first watering station has been activated a desired length of time; and the microprocessor means including means responsive to said desired length of time for the first watering station for adjusting the period of time that a second of the watering stations is activated.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
113 words
An irrigation controller, comprising: microprocessor means for activating a plurality of watering stations under program control so that each of the watering stations is activated for an assigned period of time indicated by a respective one of a plurality of stored parameter values; first input means for coupling a first input signal to the microprocessor means while a first of the watering stations is activated to indicate when the first watering station has been activated a desired length of time; and the microprocessor means including means responsive to said desired length of time for the first watering station for adjusting the period of time that a second of the watering stations is activated.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
25 words
A controller as defined in claim 11 wherein said first means includes means for sensing the dampness of soil watered by the first watering station.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
70 words
An irrigation controller for controlling a plurality of electrically operated watering stations comprising: microprocessor means for activating the electrically operated watering stations under program control; the microprocessor including open circuit testing means for determining whether an open electrical circuit condition exists in association with one of the watering stations; and said open circuit testing means checking said watering stations in sequence to determine if said open electrical circuit condition exists.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
70 words
An irrigation controller for controlling a plurality of electrically operated watering stations comprising: microprocessor means for activating the electrically operated watering stations under program control; the microprocessor including open circuit testing means for determining whether an open electrical circuit condition exists in association with one of the watering stations; and said open circuit testing means checking said watering stations in sequence to determine if said open electrical circuit condition exists.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
31 words
A controller as recited in claim 13, wherein the open circuit testing means includes: means for producing a first fault signal when it is determined that an open circuit condition exists.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
30 words
A controller as recited in claim 14, wherein the open circuit testing means includes: means for identifying which one of the watering stations is associated with an open circuit condition.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
31 words
A controller as recited in claim 13, wherein the open circuit testing means includes: means for causing the display of an image to indicate the occurrence of an open circuit condition.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
28 words
A controller as defined in claim 13 including means for preventing initiation of the operation of the open circuit testing means until all the watering stations are off.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
19 words
A controller as defined in claim 13 including means for periodically initiating operation of the open circuit testing means.
Claim 24
Independent Claim
113 words
A method of programming an irrigation controller of the type which includes a microprocessor, for controlling a plurality of watering stations under program control according to a plurality of parameter values; said method comprising: programming a portable module with a set of the parameter values at a first location; transporting the programmed module from the first location to the irrigation controller; coupling the module to the irrigation controller to allow transfer of the set of the parameter values from the module to the microprocessor of the irrigation controller; transferring the set of parameter values from the module to the microprocessor of the irrigation controller; and transferring information from the microprocessor to the module.
Claim 25
Independent Claim
113 words
A method of programming an irrigation controller of the type which includes a microprocessor, for controlling a plurality of watering stations under program control according to a plurality of parameter values; said method comprising: programming a portable module with a set of the parameter values at a first location; transporting the programmed module from the first location to the irrigation controller; coupling the module to the irrigation controller to allow transfer of the set of the parameter values from the module to the microprocessor of the irrigation controller; transferring the set of parameter values from the module to the microprocessor of the irrigation controller; and transferring information from the microprocessor to the module.
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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) | 1993-06-25 | 1993-12-25 | 1994-06-26 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1997-06-25 | 1997-12-25 | 1998-06-26 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2001-06-25 | 2001-12-25 | 2002-06-26 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |