Patents Assigned to Signature Control Systems
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Patent number: 9356226Abstract: An irrigation apparatus is provided, comprising: a pressure vessel configured to hold water under pressure, and configured to expand and contract based on the pressure of the held water; a selectable throttle configured to receive water at a first pressure, configured to provide the water to the pressure vessel at the first pressure when the selectable throttle is at a first setting, and configured to provide the water to the pressure vessel at a second pressure that is smaller than the first pressure when the selectable throttle is at a second setting; a control circuit configured to control whether the selectable throttle is at the first setting or at the second setting; and a piezoelectric element attached to the pressure vessel and configured to generate electricity when the pressure vessel expands or contracts.Type: GrantFiled: October 8, 2013Date of Patent: May 31, 2016Assignee: Signature Control Systems, Inc.Inventors: John Pargas, Brian J. Smith
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Patent number: 9138767Abstract: A sprinkler for producing a fixed spray pattern includes an inner flow conduit having a nozzle at an outlet. A filter screen is held in place beneath the nozzle. The filter screen engages a push rod of a valve of a flow stop mechanism. The push rod spaces a valve member away from a valve seat to permit water flow through the inner flow conduit when the filter screen and nozzle are in place. If the nozzle is removed or if the inner conduit is severed, the filter screen can be removed, which causes the valve member to close under the force of water pressure and to shut off flow through the inner flow conduit. The valve is located upstream of parts that are vulnerable to damage.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2010Date of Patent: September 22, 2015Assignee: Signature Control Systems, Inc.Inventors: Kevin Michael Franks, Donnie Russell Fisher, Brian John Smith
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Publication number: 20150097515Abstract: An irrigation apparatus is provided, comprising: a pressure vessel configured to hold water under pressure, and configured to expand and contract based on the pressure of the held water; a selectable throttle configured to receive water at a first pressure, configured to provide the water to the pressure vessel at the first pressure when the selectable throttle is at a first setting, and configured to provide the water to the pressure vessel at a second pressure that is smaller than the first pressure when the selectable throttle is at a second setting; a control circuit configured to control whether the selectable throttle is at the first setting or at the second setting; and a piezoelectric element attached to the pressure vessel and configured to generate electricity when the pressure vessel expands or contracts.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 8, 2013Publication date: April 9, 2015Applicant: Signature Control Systems, Inc.Inventors: John PARGAS, Brian J. SMITH
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Patent number: 8924891Abstract: A method provides information about stations in an irrigation system which are simultaneously active. An irrigation flow curve image is displayed which summarizes flow information for an irrigation system. The method interacts with a user to receive an indication from a user interface pointing device of a position within a flow curve area of the irrigation flow curve image on the display. The method retrieves detail information for stations in the irrigation system which are simultaneously active at a time indicated by the position of the user interface pointing device. Detail information is displayed isolating the stations in the irrigation system which are simultaneously active at the time indicated by the position of the user interface pointing device, wherein the detail information further individually indicates irrigation activity for stations which are simultaneously active at the time indicated by the position of the user interface pointing device.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2012Date of Patent: December 30, 2014Assignee: Signature Control Systems, Inc.Inventors: David Hunts, Brian J. Smith
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Publication number: 20120245866Abstract: A method provides information about stations in an irrigation system which are simultaneously active. An irrigation flow curve image is displayed which summarizes flow information for an irrigation system. The method interacts with a user to receive an indication from a user interface pointing device of a position within a flow curve area of the irrigation flow curve image on the display. The method retrieves detail information for stations in the irrigation system which are simultaneously active at a time indicated by the position of the user interface pointing device. Detail information is displayed isolating the stations in the irrigation system which are simultaneously active at the time indicated by the position of the user interface pointing device, wherein the detail information further individually indicates irrigation activity for stations which are simultaneously active at the time indicated by the position of the user interface pointing device.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 7, 2012Publication date: September 27, 2012Applicant: SIGNATURE CONTROL SYSTEMS, INC.Inventors: David Hunts, Brian J. Smith
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Patent number: 8219935Abstract: A method provides information about stations in an irrigation system which are simultaneously active. An irrigation flow curve image is displayed which summarizes flow information for an irrigation system. The method interacts with a user to receive an indication from a user interface pointing device of a position within a flow curve area of the irrigation flow curve image on the display. The method retrieves detail information for stations in the irrigation system which are simultaneously active at a time indicated by the position of the user interface pointing device. Detail information is displayed isolating the stations in the irrigation system which are simultaneously active at the time indicated by the position of the user interface pointing device, wherein the detail information further individually indicates irrigation activity for stations which are simultaneously active at the time indicated by the position of the user interface pointing device.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2008Date of Patent: July 10, 2012Assignee: Signature Control Systems, Inc.Inventors: David Hunts, Brian J. Smith
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Patent number: 8104190Abstract: A moisture metering calibration method and system for, e.g., determining the moisture lumber within a lumber drying kiln is disclosed. Calibration of moisture indicative electrical signals obtained from, e.g., moisture sensing capacitive plates spaced apart within a stack of drying lumber is performed, wherein long lengths (e.g., up to 1000 linear feet or more) of coaxial cable can be used for transmitting the signals, and effectively removing signal anomalies induced in such cabling so that accurate lumber moisture measurements result. Such extended cable lengths provides flexibility with respect to placement of electronic moisture metering equipment. This flexibility allows such equipment to be placed in an environmentally-controlled enclosure, rather than on the weather exposed exterior of a kiln whose lumber is being monitored.Type: GrantFiled: January 6, 2010Date of Patent: January 31, 2012Assignee: Signature Control Systems, Inc.Inventor: Richard Magill
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Patent number: 8108077Abstract: An intelligent sensor includes an irrigation related data sensor for sensing irrigation related data and a network processor coupled to the irrigation related data sensor for receiving the irrigation data. The intelligent sensor also includes an interface coupled to the network processor for coupling the intelligent sensor to a communication bus of a peer-to-peer distributed network. The intelligent sensor also includes a memory including instructions for configuring the processor to generate a broadcast message including the irrigation related data. The interface transmits the broadcast message to a destination node coupled to the peer-to-peer distributed network via the communication bus. The destination node can be satellite field irrigation controllers or a control device.Type: GrantFiled: May 1, 2008Date of Patent: January 31, 2012Assignee: Signature Control Systems, Inc.Inventors: Brian J. Smith, Eric Schafer
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Patent number: 7925433Abstract: A vehicle tracking device (101), method and/or system are provided. The device (101) includes a location interface (117), for receiving a location signal indicating a current location when operably connected to a GPS antenna; a sensor interface (109), for receiving sensor signals from sensors in the vehicle indicating a sensed status of the vehicle, when electrically or electronically connected to the sensors; and a processor (105). The processor (105) is configured to facilitate receiving, from the location interface, indications of a current location; determining, responsive to the location signal, a determined current location of the vehicle (127); receiving, from the sensor interface, a sensed status of the vehicle (129); recording a pre-defined event condition, when the pre-defined event condition occurs (131) responsive to the sensed status, in a vehicle history; and recording the determined current location in the vehicle history (133).Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 2008Date of Patent: April 12, 2011Assignee: Signature Control Systems, Inc.Inventors: Brian Smith, Eric Schafer
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Publication number: 20110068195Abstract: A sprinkler for producing a fixed spray pattern includes an inner flow conduit having a nozzle at an outlet. A filter screen is held in place beneath the nozzle. The filter screen engages a push rod of a valve of a flow stop mechanism. The push rod spaces a valve member away from a valve seat to permit water flow through the inner flow conduit when the filter screen and nozzle are in place. If the nozzle is removed or if the inner conduit is severed, the filter screen can be removed, which causes the valve member to close under the force of water pressure and to shut off flow through the inner flow conduit. The valve is located upstream of parts that are vulnerable to damage.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 14, 2010Publication date: March 24, 2011Applicant: Signature Control Systems, Inc.Inventors: Kevin Michael Franks, Donnie Russell Fisher, Brian John Smith
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Publication number: 20100171513Abstract: A moisture metering calibration method and system for, e.g., determining the moisture lumber within a lumber drying kiln is disclosed. Calibration of moisture indicative electrical signals obtained from, e.g., moisture sensing capacitive plates spaced apart within a stack of drying lumber is performed, wherein long lengths (e.g., up to 1000 linear feet or more) of coaxial cable can be used for transmitting the signals, and effectively removing signal anomalies induced in such cabling so that accurate lumber moisture measurements result. Such extended cable lengths provides flexibility with respect to placement of electronic moisture metering equipment. This flexibility allows such equipment to be placed in an environmentally-controlled enclosure, rather than on the weather exposed exterior of a kiln whose lumber is being monitored.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 6, 2010Publication date: July 8, 2010Applicant: Signature Control Systems, Inc.Inventor: Richard Magill
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Patent number: 7676953Abstract: A moisture metering calibration method and system for, e.g., determining the moisture lumber within a lumber drying kiln is disclosed. Calibration of moisture indicative electrical signals obtained from, e.g., moisture sensing capacitive plates spaced apart within a stack of drying lumber is performed, wherein long lengths (e.g., up to 1000 linear feet or more) of coaxial cable can be used for transmitting the signals, and effectively removing signal anomalies induced in such cabling so that accurate lumber moisture measurements result. Such extended cable lengths provides flexibility with respect to placement of electronic moisture metering equipment. This flexibility allows such equipment to be placed in an environmentally-controlled enclosure, rather than on the weather exposed exterior of a kiln whose lumber is being monitored.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 2006Date of Patent: March 16, 2010Assignee: Signature Control Systems, Inc.Inventor: Richard Magill
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Patent number: 7660652Abstract: A vehicle tracking device (101), method and/or system are provided. The device (101) includes a location interface (117), for receiving a location signal indicating a current location when operably connected to a GPS antenna; a sensor interface (109), for receiving sensor signals from sensors in the vehicle indicating a sensed status of the vehicle, when electrically or electronically connected to the sensors; and a processor (105). The processor (105) is configured to facilitate receiving, from the location interface, indications of a current location; determining, responsive to the location signal, a determined current location of the vehicle (127); receiving, from the sensor interface, a sensed status of the vehicle (129); recording a pre-defined event condition, when the pre-defined event condition occurs (131) responsive to the sensed status, in a vehicle history; and recording the determined current location in the vehicle history (133).Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2006Date of Patent: February 9, 2010Assignee: Signature Control Systems, Inc.Inventors: Brian Smith, Eric Schafer
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Publication number: 20090319934Abstract: A method provides information about stations in an irrigation system which are simultaneously active. An irrigation flow curve image is displayed which summarizes flow information for an irrigation system. The method interacts with a user to receive an indication from a user interface pointing device of a position within a flow curve area of the irrigation flow curve image on the display. The method retrieves detail information for stations in the irrigation system which are simultaneously active at a time indicated by the position of the user interface pointing device. Detail information is displayed isolating the stations in the irrigation system which are simultaneously active at the time indicated by the position of the user interface pointing device, wherein the detail information further individually indicates irrigation activity for stations which are simultaneously active at the time indicated by the position of the user interface pointing device.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 24, 2008Publication date: December 24, 2009Applicant: SIGNATURE CONTROL SYSTEMS, INC.Inventors: David Hunts, Brian J. Smith
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Publication number: 20090276102Abstract: An intelligent sensor includes an irrigation related data sensor for sensing irrigation related data and a network processor coupled to the irrigation related data sensor for receiving the irrigation data. The intelligent sensor also includes an interface coupled to the network processor for coupling the intelligent sensor to a communication bus of a peer-to-peer distributed network. The intelligent sensor also includes a memory including instructions for configuring the processor to generate a broadcast message including the irrigation related data. The interface transmits the broadcast message to a destination node coupled to the peer-to-peer distributed network via the communication bus. The destination node can be satellite field irrigation controllers or a control device.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 1, 2008Publication date: November 5, 2009Applicant: SIGNATURE CONTROL SYSTEMS, INC.Inventors: Brian J. Smith, Eric Schafer
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Publication number: 20080258939Abstract: A vehicle tracking device (101), method and/or system are provided. The device (101) includes a location interface (117), for receiving a location signal indicating a current location when operably connected to a GPS antenna; a sensor interface (109), for receiving sensor signals from sensors in the vehicle indicating a sensed status of the vehicle, when electrically or electronically connected to the sensors; and a processor (105). The processor (105) is configured to facilitate receiving, from the location interface, indications of a current location; determining, responsive to the location signal, a determined current location of the vehicle (127); receiving, from the sensor interface, a sensed status of the vehicle (129); recording a pre-defined event condition, when the pre-defined event condition occurs (131) responsive to the sensed status, in a vehicle history; and recording the determined current location in the vehicle history (133).Type: ApplicationFiled: May 13, 2008Publication date: October 23, 2008Applicant: SIGNATURE CONTROL SYSTEMS, INC.Inventors: Brian J. Smith, Eric Schafer
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Patent number: 7433755Abstract: A process for curing a natural or synthetic rubber compound under a plurality of curing conditions by: (1) obtaining time dependent data streams of dielectric or impedance values from a non-bridged impedance sensing circuit and a capacitor having the rubber compound being cured as a dialectric; (2) determining impedance related measurements from the obtained data streams; (3) determining a predictive curing equation by performing a multiple regression between: (a) reheometric data obtained from a plurality of different rubber compound samples cured in a rheometer at various environmental curing conditions, and (b) corresponding samples cured in a production mold at the same environmental conditions; (4) adjusting the curing equation to obtain cured parts having one or more desired properties; and (5) controlling the mass producing cured parts with a controller that uses the curing equation for predicting a cure time for each part, wherein the predictions are effective over variations in the rubber compound, aType: GrantFiled: March 30, 2007Date of Patent: October 7, 2008Assignee: Signature Control Systems, Inc.Inventors: Richard Magill, John C. Van Doren, Bruce Sellers, Tim Erickson, Scott Schnieder, Steve Courington, Lance Bethel
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Publication number: 20080161972Abstract: A moisture metering calibration method and system for, e.g., determining the moisture lumber within a lumber drying kiln is disclosed. Calibration of moisture indicative electrical signals obtained from, e.g., moisture sensing capacitive plates spaced apart within a stack of drying lumber is performed, wherein long lengths (e.g., up to 1000 linear feet or more) of coaxial cable can be used for transmitting the signals, and effectively removing signal anomalies induced in such cabling so that accurate lumber moisture measurements result. Such extended cable lengths provides flexibility with respect to placement of electronic moisture metering equipment. This flexibility allows such equipment to be placed in an environmentally-controlled enclosure, rather than on the weather exposed exterior of a kiln whose lumber is being monitored.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 29, 2006Publication date: July 3, 2008Applicant: SIGNATURE CONTROL SYSTEMSInventor: Richard Magill
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Patent number: 7269829Abstract: A remote download of microprocessor code for an irrigation controller is provided. A microprocessor, on an irrigation controller, is executing program code (in volatile memory) and receives a remote download of updated program code, which it stores into non-volatile random access memory, e.g., flash memory. The microprocessor is configured to receive the updated program code, via a communication port, and to store the updated program code into the non-volatile flash memory. Optionally, the updated program code is received at multiple controllers via a global transmission on a communication bus. The microprocessor receives a communication causing it to re-start. In response to the re-start communication, the microprocessor fetches the updated program code stored in the non-volatile flash memory into the program memory RAM to replace the original program code, and begins execution of the updated program code in the program memory RAM.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 2004Date of Patent: September 11, 2007Assignee: Signature Control Systems, Inc.Inventors: Brian J. Smith, Eric Schafer
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Publication number: 20070185611Abstract: A process for curing a natural or synthetic rubber compound under a plurality of curing conditions by: (1) obtaining time dependent data streams of dielectric or impedance values from a non-bridged impedance sensing circuit and a capacitor having the rubber compound being cured as a dialectric; (2) determining impedance related measurements from the obtained data streams; (3) determining a predictive curing equation by performing a multiple regression between: (a) reheometric data obtained from a plurality of different rubber compound samples cured in a rheometer at various environmental curing conditions, and (b) corresponding samples cured in a production mold at the same environmental conditions; (4) adjusting the curing equation to obtain cured parts having one or more desired properties; and (5) controlling the mass producing cured parts with a controller that uses the curing equation for predicting a cure time for each part, wherein the predictions are effective over variations in the rubber compound, aType: ApplicationFiled: March 30, 2007Publication date: August 9, 2007Applicant: SIGNATURE CONTROL SYSTEMS, INC.Inventors: Richard Magill, John Van Doren, Bruce Sellers, Tim Erickson, Scott Schneider, Steve Courington, Lance Bethel