Irrigation controller with removable station modules

Details Irrigation controller with removable station modules Irrigation controller with removable station modules

1999-09-21

2002-10-01

Picard, Leo (Department: 2125)

Data processing: generic control systems or specific application

Specific application, apparatus or process

Mechanical control system

C700S019000, C239S069000

Reexamination Certificate

active

06459959

ABSTRACT:

TECHNICAL FIELD
This invention relates to an irrigation controller for controlling the operation of an irrigation system pursuant to a watering schedule that may be programmed by the user. More particularly, this invention relates to an irrigation controller for controlling multiple irrigation stations.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Irrigation controllers are known for controlling the operation of an irrigation system in accordance with the passage of time. Most controllers operate a plurality of watering stations and will retain or store a watering program established by the user. This program typically allows the user to pick what days the sprinklers will operate, what time of day that irrigation will begin, and how long each station will operate. Some controllers allow multiple watering programs to be stored.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,262,936 discloses a microprocessor based controller in which the controller base unit has drivers and switches for controlling some number of irrigation stations that is less than the maximum number that can be controlled. The station handling ability of the controller can be expanded by plugging in additional modules with each module having drivers and switches for an additional number of stations. The modules when connected extend and are part of a serial bus structure in the controller. The modules known in this prior controller are quite large and when connected to the base unit of the controller take up considerable space exteriorly of the base unit, leading to problems in finding sufficient space to receive them all and in attaching all of the modules in a secure fashion.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to an irrigation controller which comprises a housing having microprocessor means for storing and executing a watering program for controlling a plurality of irrigation stations. The microprocessor means includes a parallel output bus within the housing having a plurality of separate station output pins for controlling the irrigation stations with one station output pin used for controlling each station. At least one module is removably plugged into at least one of the station output pins on the output bus. The module has a terminal suited for receiving an electrical lead wire extending to the irrigation station, and further has driver and switch means for activating the station as commanded by the base unit over the at least one station output pin.


REFERENCES:
patent: 4090764 (1978-05-01), Malsby et al.
patent: 4152750 (1979-05-01), Bremenour et al.
patent: 4242721 (1980-12-01), Krolak et al.
patent: 4672510 (1987-06-01), Castner
patent: 4922407 (1990-05-01), Birk et al.
patent: 5101083 (1992-03-01), Tyler et al.
patent: 5262936 (1993-11-01), Faris et al.
patent: 5265005 (1993-11-01), Schmidt et al.
patent: 5272620 (1993-12-01), Mock et al.
patent: 5278749 (1994-01-01), De Man
patent: 5421738 (1995-06-01), Roberts
patent: 5479338 (1995-12-01), Ericksen et al.
patent: 5602728 (1997-02-01), Madden et al.
patent: 5834693 (1998-11-01), Waddell et al.
patent: 5956248 (1999-09-01), Williams et al.
patent: 6256191 (2001-07-01), Curlee
Expanded Light-Energized Installation, LEIT8000 Light Energized Irrigation Technology Control System Catalog, Jan. 1995, 1 page, SOLTROL (now DIG Corp.), USA.
Model 39624 Pedestal Mount Field Controller, Model 39625 Wall Mount Field Controller, Royal Coach/Buckner Catalog, Jan. 1983, 1 page, Litho, USA.
Sales Offices and Warehouses, Royal Coach/Buckner Catalog, Jan. 1983, 1 page, Sheet No. 280-286, Litho, USA.
Modular Solid State Controllers, Buckner Catalog, May 1990, 8 pages, USA.
Features and Functions of the 39824/5 Field Controller, Buckner Catalog, 5 pages, USA.
PTC82 Professional Turf Controller 12 and 18 Stations, Oasis Controls Specification Sheet, 2 pages, OSS-007A (SP), Philmac PTY LTD, USA.
PTC83 Professional Turf Controller 24, 30, 36, 42 Stations, Oasis Controls Specification Sheet, 2 pages, OSS-008A (SP), Philmac PTY LTD, USA.
Landscaper Irrigation Controller 12 and 16 Stations, Oasis Controls Specification Sheet, 2 pages, OSS-005B, Philmac PTY LTD, USA.
PTC81 Professional Turf Controller 6 Station, Oasis Controls Specification Sheet, 2 pages, OSS-006A (SP), Philmac PTY LTD, USA.
Researchers Develop Automated Surface Irrigation System, NTIS Tech Notes, 1995, 1 page NTN83-0860, NTIS, US Dept of Commerce, USA.
Maxicom Computer Control System, Rain Bird Catalog, 1990, 4 pages, Rain Bird Sprinkler Mfg. Corp, USA.
Moody Automatic Controllers, Moody Catalog, 3 pages, Moody, USA.
Modular Series Electronic Controllers, Buckner Catalog, 3 pages, USA.
XKit Expander Module Kit (Series 8700), SOLATROL Catalog, Feb. 1995, 1 page, Solatrol Inc., USA.
LEIT 8000 Universal Control Unit (LEIT 8000-2), SOLATROL Catalog, Feb. 1995, 1 page, Solatrol Inc., USA.
Weather-matic 1990-91 Irrigation Equipment Catalog, 1990-91, 3 pages, Weather-matic, USA.
Irrigation Equipment Catalog, 1995, 5 pages, Buckner, USA.
1990 Irrigation Products, Toro Irrigation Products Catalog, 1990, 3 pages, Toro, USA.
Pro 8430, 8420 & Pro 8900 Series Controllers, Nelson Irrigation Corp. Catalog, 4 pages, USA.
Pro 8430 and 8420 Series Automatic Irrigation Controllers, L.R. Nelson Corp. Catalog, 1991, 2 pages, L.R. Nelson Corporation, USA.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

Rating

Irrigation controller with removable station modules does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.

If you have personal experience with Irrigation controller with removable station modules, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Irrigation controller with removable station modules will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2985792