Data processing: generic control systems or specific application – Generic control system – apparatus or process – Sequential or selective
Reexamination Certificate
1998-09-10
2001-07-10
Grant, William (Department: 2124)
Data processing: generic control systems or specific application
Generic control system, apparatus or process
Sequential or selective
C700S284000, C239S069000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06259955
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Field of the Invention
The present invention refers to a programmable electronic control unit for automatic watering systems, preferably for watering systems with plural lines.
For the maintenance of lawns, gardens, kitchen gardens and other cultivated spaces, the employment of automatic watering systems controlled by a programmable electronic control unit is increasingly widespread.
The control unit can be either of a simple type capable to control one watering system, for instance with one single line, on the bases of watering programs pre-set by the producer, that the user can only select according to his/her own needs, or of a more complex type, both in terms of performance and number of lines, and to offer the user the possibility to program the control unit on his/her own.
It is quite clear that in this latter case the easiness of programming becomes a primary need, such as to decisively influence the choice in the purchase of the control unit.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Object of the present invention has therefore been to realise a controlling electronic control unit for watering systems that would be easily and quickly programmed by the user.
According to the invention, such object has been attained by means of an electronic control unit comprising an electronic circuit with a programmable processing unit, operating buttons to execute and to vary the programming of said processing unit and a display for the visualisation of the programming stages. The programmable processing unit is organized to individuate a programming menu that is subdivided into a plurality of parts selectionable at will. Each part comprising at least one chapter. The said chapter being formed of at least one page of setting for at least one respective programming parameter, and in that each part of the menu is directly and independently selectionable by pressing on at least one respective operating button.
The subdivision of the programming menu into several parts, each one directly and independently selectionable by means of at least one respective operating button, and of each part into one or more chapters makes the operation of the control unit programming extremely simple, allowing in addition to accede only to those programming functions that one wishes to set or to modify.
Further scope of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description given hereinafter. However, it should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the invention, are given by way of illustration only, since various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the invention will become apparent to those skilled.
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Brundisini Andrea
Roman Gianfranco
Cabrera Zoila
Claber S.p.A.
Grant William
Jacobson & Holman PLLC
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