By Level Or Weight In Testing Receiver Patents (Class 239/65)
  • Patent number: 8857730
    Abstract: A sump sprinkler system for use with residential and commercial buildings. The sump sprinkler system comprises a system controller and a sprinkler pump in communication with the system controller. The sump sprinkler system also comprises an intake tube connected to the sprinkler pump, wherein the intake having an end arranged in a sump of a building. The sump sprinkler system also comprises at least one sprinkler connected to the output of the sprinkler pump, wherein the sprinkler is in communication with the system controller. The sump sprinkler system also comprises a water level member in communication with the system controller, wherein the water level member is arranged in the sump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: M.E.C. Systems
    Inventors: David Hartfelder, Andrea Hartfelder
  • Publication number: 20090121043
    Abstract: A horizontal-type atomizing apparatus with automatically controlled working fluid level includes a portable horizontal base internally defining a dispensing chamber and an atomizing chamber horizontally opposite to but communicating with each other; a pressure container assembled to the dispensing chamber for supplying a working fluid into the dispensing chamber and the atomizing chamber; and an atomizing module arranged on the base. By utilizing the principle of atmospheric pressure balance, the working fluid in the dispensing chamber is maintained at a constant level, allowing the atomizing module to obtain constant volume of working fluid and constant working load to produce a stable amount of mist containing uniformly-sized droplets. An ambient atmospheric condition sensing unit is included for detecting atmospheric conditions in the environment surrounding the atomizing apparatus, regulating the amount of mist to be produced, and generating a warning signal for timely replenishing the working fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2008
    Publication date: May 14, 2009
    Applicant: KAI CHIH INDUSTRIAL Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Nai Ying JEAN, Wen Pin Chen
  • Patent number: 7461798
    Abstract: A collector ring for use with a center pivot irrigation system which permits the mounting of a communication device above the span structure. The collector ring also includes a monitoring device which senses the angle or rotation of the span structure with respect to the fixed center pivot structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2008
    Inventors: Craig S. Malsam, Donald M. Salazar, Mark G. Schechinger, Joseph F. Novotny
  • Publication number: 20080251601
    Abstract: A water sensor apparatus used in connection with a watering system. The water sensor apparatus includes a main housing comprising an inlet and an outlet. A valve mechanism is provided inside the main housing. The valve mechanism opens and closes the outlet of the main housing in response to a water level collected in the main housing and a water pressure entering the inlet of the main housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2008
    Publication date: October 16, 2008
    Applicant: MELNOR, INC.
    Inventors: Juergen NIES, Ha Van DUONG, Chunling ZHAO
  • Patent number: 7229026
    Abstract: The present embodiments provide methods and system for use in irrigating and controlling irrigation. In some embodiments, a method pauses irrigation at a field station when an amount of rain detected exceeds a first threshold, detects an indication of an amount of rain received after the pausing, resumes irrigation, and reduces a station runtime corresponding to the amount of the rain received after pausing. Some methods determine when an amount of rain received exceeds a first threshold and pause irrigation from a field station, and determine when the amount of rain received exceeds a second threshold and stop irrigation from the field station. Some embodiments provide systems that comprise a field station, a rain detector, and a controller that monitors detected rain and pauses irrigation when a first threshold of rain is detected and shuts down irrigation when a second threshold of rain is detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2007
    Assignee: Rain Bird Corporation
    Inventor: René H. Evelyn-Veere
  • Patent number: 7165730
    Abstract: A water irrigation system may include a computer system, a sensing unit, an irrigation controller, and/or a water delivery system. The sensing unit may include a moisture gauge. The moisture gauge may include a capacitor coupled to a collector. The sensing unit may assess an amount of moisture in the collector and provide output that is a function of the amount of moisture in the collector to the computer system. The computer system may control irrigation of a zone to be irrigated at least partially based on the assessed amount of moisture in the collector. A method of controlling irrigation may include assessing an amount of moisture in a collector near or in a zone to be irrigated and controlling irrigation at least partially based on the assessed amount of moisture in the collector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2007
    Inventors: James Jolly Clark, Michael T. Perkins, David Small
  • Patent number: 6732945
    Abstract: A semiconductor processing system has a liquid chemical metering and delivery system including a process tank and a metering vessel. Fluid level detectors detect the fluid level in the process tank and metering vessel. A two stage fill valve fills the metering vessel from bottom to top. A dispense valve dispenses the metered contents of the vessel into a process tank via gravity, to form a chemical solution in the process tank, with high mixing accuracy. The volumes of the metering vessel and process tank and the inflow and outflow rates are set to provide 100% up time to a process chamber which uses the chemical solution to process semiconductor wafers or other flat media.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Assignee: Semitool, Inc.
    Inventor: Kert Dolechek
  • Patent number: 6705542
    Abstract: The invention relates to an irrigation control system comprising; at least one porous capsule sensor, a pressurized gas source in fluid communication with the at least one capsule sensor, and a pressure sensor configured to detect a change in gas pressure in the capsule sensor, wherein the pressure sensor is configured to control irrigation. The invention also relates to a method for monitoring soil moisture conditions comprising, providing at least one porous capsule sensor, placing the at least one porous capsule sensor in the ground, pressurizing the at least one porous capsule sensor with gas, and monitoring a gas pressure associated with the at least one porous capsule sensor. The irrigation water is controlled based on the gas pressure in the capsule sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2004
    Assignee: Empresa Brasileira de Pesquisa Agropecuaria-EMBRAPA
    Inventor: Adonai Gimenez Calbo
  • Patent number: 6581849
    Abstract: The automatic semi-conductor condensate flower watering device consists of a condensate part, a heat radiating part and a soil moisture control part, in which the said condensing part is composed of a semi-conductor cooling block with a refrigerating and heat-conducting base plate and a heat radiating and conducting base plate attached to both of its sides. On the said refrigerating and heat conducting base plate is installed the condensing fins and on the heat radiating and conducting base plate is installed the heat radiating fins. The said heat radiating part includes radiating fins and an outlet channel that is formed by the radiating fins. The gap between the said condensing fins is less or equal to 1.5 mm. On the refrigerating and heat conducting base plate is installed a water wiper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Inventor: Zhengyu Zhang
  • Publication number: 20030106944
    Abstract: The fire suppression device is based on installing a cannister of a fire extinguishing composition on a gas barbecue. Tubes from the cannister direct the fire extinguishing foam or composition to flames that may shoot out from the Venturi tubes or the burners or the cooking surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2001
    Publication date: June 12, 2003
    Inventor: Jerald Doppelt
  • Patent number: 5908157
    Abstract: A portable control system for use with conventional sprinklers including a portable housing. Further included is a plurality of interconnections positioned within the housing for allowing interconnection between an inflow hose and a plurality of outflow hoses. A plurality of valves is connected to the interconnection for allowing the passage of fluid upon the activation thereof. A control panel is situated within the housing and connected to the valves. The control panel is connected to a rain level detector and is adapted to allow selective actuation and deactivation of each valve mechanism at a designated time as a function of the amount of rain received by the rain level detector. A fertilizer mechanism is connected to the interconnections for allowing the supply of fertilizer to the fluid passing between the garden inflow hose and the garden outflow hoses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 1, 1999
    Inventors: Domenico Antonellis, George Valentino
  • Patent number: 5899111
    Abstract: A foldable water tank remote level detector system is provided including a fire truck having a side extent with an analog gauge mounted thereon. The analog gauge has an indicator pivotally coupled thereto for pivoting between an empty indicia and a full indicia. As such, the gauge is adapted for indicating a level corresponding to a level signal upon the receipt thereof. Also included is a water level sensor situated within a body of water distant the fire truck. The water level sensor is adapted to continuously generate a level signal corresponding with a level of the water within the body of water. Finally, an extension cord is provided having a first end connected to the water level sensor and a second end connected to the gauge outlet of the fire truck thereby transmitting the level signals to the analog gauge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 4, 1999
    Inventor: Anthony Zellers
  • Patent number: 5665910
    Abstract: A means of accurately measuring farm chemical during its application, through the use of load cell and a means of mounting this load cell to a sprayer apparatus is disclosed. The measurement of the chemical is accomplished by the use of a load cell which is mounted in a position below a keg of liquid farm chemical. The load cell measures the weight of the chemical keg and the liquid chemical contained therein. By knowing the specific gravity of the chemical being used and the weight of the keg itself, the operator can accurately compute the volume of chemical which has passed through the sprayer system and the rate of that passage. This gives the operator an accurate measure of the amount of the liquid chemical applied to each acre of crop land.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 9, 1997
    Inventors: Scott William Knutson, Curtis Jon Knutson
  • Patent number: 5629570
    Abstract: Paint flow control interface circuitry for passing electrical signals across a paint booth barrier including a feedback signal indicating a paint flow parameter from a parameter transducer within the paint booth, includes passive resistive intrinsically safe barrier circuit elements coupled with buffer circuitry for minimizing the voltage drop across the interface circuitry. Light filtering of the buffer circuitry output signal with minimum filter lag yields an accurate indication of the paint flow parameter with high signal to noise ratio and minimum signal lag, for application in closed-loop paint flow control. Additional transducer voltage supply signal feedback provides for closed-loop voltage supply control across the interface circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 13, 1997
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Norman J. Weigert
  • Patent number: 5415347
    Abstract: A container and distributor of water is internally provided with a bath pivoted in such a way as to empty when full. A floating piston situated inside a chamber enables water delivery to the bath at a rate regulated by varying a water head in the chamber, and an outlet opening from the chamber conducts water into the bath. A rod, insertable in the outlet opening and movable upon pivoting of the bath, prevents a build-up of residues in the outlet due to impurities in the water such that the outlet opening does not become blocked or obstructed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 16, 1995
    Assignee: G.F. S.r.l.
    Inventor: Pietro Negroni
  • Patent number: 5355122
    Abstract: Disclosed in a Rainfall Detection and Disable Control System which provides detection and a visual display of both a trace level and a variable accumulation level of natural rainfall. The dual interacting rainfall detection system provides a unique sprinkler system control function that disables sprinkler system watering both during and after a rain shower, based upon the amount of rainfall accumulation, and user selectable disable time periods. A short variable disable time period is initiated by the trace rainfall detection probe and a long variable time period is initiated by the accumulation rainfall detection probe. The trace rainfall detection probe provides the control function of preventing watering, at the onset of, and during a rain shower. The short disable time period of the trace detection function allows the next watering cycle to occur, if no significant rainfall accumulation is detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 11, 1994
    Inventor: Gary A. Erickson
  • Patent number: 5337777
    Abstract: An apparatus (10) for controlling an automatic timer regulated sprinkler system; wherein, the apparatus (10) comprises a float member (60) disposed within a multi-stage screen member (30) secured within a receptacle member (20); and, wherein, the float member is operatively associated with a switch member (50) for controlling the flow of electrical current to the sprinkler system in response to the level of collected water within the receptacle member. Another apparatus (200) for controlling an automatic timer regulated sprinkler system; wherein, the apparatus (200) comprises a water-amount-responsive means (204) containing water absorbing material; and, wherein, the water-amount-responsive means is operatively associated with a switch means (203) for controlling the flow of electrical current to the automatic sprinkler system in response to the change in gravitational force or expansile force produced by water on the water-amount-responsive means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 16, 1994
    Inventors: David C. H. Shaw, Judy Z. Z. Shaw
  • Patent number: 5241978
    Abstract: An apparatus (10) for overriding an automatic timer controlled sprinkler system (100); wherein, the apparatus (10) comprises a float member (60) disposed within a two stage screen member (30) secured within a receptacle member (20); and, wherein, the float member (60) is operatively associated with a switch member (50) suspended above the receptacle member (20) for interrupting the flow of electrical current to an automatic timer controlled sprinkler system (100) in response to the level of collected rainwater within the receptacle member (20).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1993
    Inventors: David C. H. Shaw, Judy Z. Z. Shaw
  • Patent number: 5174499
    Abstract: An irrigation system includes one or more valve assemblies which are connected in series to a pressurized source of water. Each valve assembly includes a cylindrical housing, a ball valve, an inlet and two outlets with one outlet generally opposite from the inlet in a lower portion of the housing. The other outlet is disposed in an upper portion of the housing and adapted to direct water to an area of ground for irrigation. A pit and float are associated with each valve assembly and arranged so that some of the irrigation water will flow into the pit and raise the float. The float is connected spring biasing element and a U-shaped pivotal member. This U-shaped pivotal member maintains a spring in a compressed or energy-stored condition and releases the spring biasing element when the float reaches a predetermined level so that the ball valve will spring upwardly to close the upper outlet and redirect the water to another assembly. Water pressure will then maintain the valve in that position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 29, 1992
    Inventor: Saleh A. Al-Hamlan
  • Patent number: 4919165
    Abstract: An irrigation system control apparatus which includes an adjustable float switch mounted within a rain collector receptacle which switch is actuated in response to a predetermined amount of rainfall to terminate the operation of the motor and pump assembly of the irrigation system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 24, 1990
    Inventor: Grover Lloyd
  • Patent number: 4802334
    Abstract: An optical sensor (40) located in the manifold area (20) of an augmentor senses the presence of liquid. The engine control provides a high fuel flow rate from remotely located augmentor fuel control (58) until liquid is sensed. Flow is then reduced to the desired metered rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 1987
    Date of Patent: February 7, 1989
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Matthias Eder, Walter B. Kerr
  • Patent number: 4770345
    Abstract: A very simple system to automatically control the flow of irrigation water. The stem of a water shutoff valve is controlled by a balance beam having two arms extending perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the valve stem. The angle between the two arms is about 135 degrees. At the end of the second arm is a water bucket. At the end of the first arm is a counter weight. When the first arm is horizontal, the water bucket is elevated and the valve is open. The water bucket collects a small portion of the irrigation water flow. When the bucket is substantially full, the second arm moves to a horizontal position, the counterweight is elevated and the valve is closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1986
    Date of Patent: September 13, 1988
    Inventors: John R. Ross, Jr., Davorin D. Kapich
  • Patent number: 4545528
    Abstract: A spray system is provided for distributing fluid over a selected area through a distribution header to spray units. A control unit uses a siphon loop to continuously cycle an internal water level between two elevations. A water level float provides an output for actuating a valve effective to vary fluid pressure in the distribution header and affect a sweeping of the spray produced by the spray units. The fill rate of the control unit may be varied to change the sweeping rate of the spray through the spray units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 1983
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1985
    Inventor: Paul S. Perez
  • Patent number: 4541446
    Abstract: An in-ground control system to override an automatic sprinkling system during periods of excess rain or moisture, having a housing with a peripheral water collection trough connected to a collection chamber. Sensors are positioned in the chamber and upon a predetermined rise in the water level in the chamber will either operate a control to suspend operation of the watering system or to operate a pump to carry away excess water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1983
    Date of Patent: September 17, 1985
    Inventor: Frank C. Hogan
  • Patent number: 4190201
    Abstract: Water, in the form of a mist, is delivered to cutting beds and the like through a plurality of nozzles attached to one or more pipes in which the flow of water is controlled by a valve, the opening and closing of which is regulated by a control device which operates in response to the atmospheric condition surrounding the cutting beds. The control device is provided with a liquid collecting-and sensing element, the movement of which actuates an electrical switch, which, in turn, activates and deactivates the circuit regulating the flow of water to the misting system. The control device is of simple construction, yet operates in a completely consistent and reliable manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1978
    Date of Patent: February 26, 1980
    Inventor: Edward C. Geiger