Abstract: A device includes a housing with a reference electrode having a metal plug extending through the housing. One or more sensing surfaces are disposed on an exterior of the housing, where the one or more sensing surfaces are configured to perform a nutrient measurement of a soil. A moisture sensor is disposed on an exterior of the housing for detecting a moisture level of the soil.

Abstract: A watertight electrical compartment for use in an irrigation device can include a compartment body having a chamber and a sealing section configured to mate with one or more sealing rings. A sealing cap can mate with the sealing section and/or the sealing rings to seal the chamber. A cap retainer can be advanced over at least a portion of the sealing cap. One of the compartment body and cap retainer can have internal threads to be screwed onto external threads of the other one of the compartment body and cap retainer. The cap retainer can also have a stopping feature to keep the sealing cap in its sealed position. The watertight electrical compartment can be used in a wireless flow sensor assembly, a battery operated irrigation controller, and/or a battery-operated central controller device, to provide irrigation control, and/or sensor information, without the need for AC power.

Abstract: A system, comprising: a housing comprising an elongated hollow body configured to be at least partially embedded in a soil environment adjacent a plant at a desired depth; a swellable element dimensioned to be disposed within the housing, the swellable element being configured to swell when absorbing moisture; a resiliently-compressible flexible tube configured to provide water to the soil environment, the flexible tube is laced transversely through tube openings of the housing, the flexible tube is disposed adjacent to the swellable element inside the housing such that a swelling or displacement of the swellable element compresses the flexible tube, thereby limiting or preventing water flow therethrough; and a moisture transfer adapter configured to communicate moisture along its length from a desired location within the soil environment to the swellable element, as well as methods of using the system.

Abstract: A slow-release irrigation device having a housing with an open and closed end, and a water reservoir located therein, a circumferential channel located proximal to the open end providing a watertight engagement with a neck opening of a beverage container, a water channel connected to the water reservoir and having a water receiving inlet and an outlet for directing water into the water reservoir while simultaneously operating as a water seal for the housing, a housing water outlet located between the ends of the housing and directly connecting the water reservoir with the external environment, an air channel located within the housing, an air tube connecting the water reservoir to an interior of the container; and a permeable membrane located within the air channel and controlling the passage of air through an air outlet of the air tube.

Abstract: A smart root watering system is disclosed. The system includes a controller, configured to control the system using artificial neural networks. The system further comprises vertical tubes, inserted into the soil proximity to the roots of trees and configured to deliver water to the roots of trees. The vertical tubes include a motion sensor, configured to detect variation in water flow and wirelessly send data to the controller, thereby indicating faults of the vertical tubes to the user via a handheld electronic device. The vertical tube further includes a mechanical valve with a floater, configured to regulate input water to the system with respect to the soil absorption. The system further comprises a sensor device, configured to detect the humidity level and send to the controller. The controller is further configured to estimate the required volume of water and open an electric valve for supplying water to the roots of trees.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method which combines field mapping and control software to effectively manage sprinkler parameters to adjust for changes in weather conditions and positional/terrain changes. According to a first preferred embodiment, the present invention preferably provides a system which monitors a mapped set of boundaries and preferably receives data regarding a variety of weather factors including wind monitoring (speed, direction, averages, and gusts) and preferably makes adjustments to the system to adjust and modify the shape of a desired distribution area based on the weather factors.

Abstract: A convenient, water-saving and labor-saving FROG irrigation controller and system are provided, which determine the appropriate water budget and schedule for the property's landscaping based on evapotranspiration data for the geographic area, any regulation data, and property-specific data, with consideration given to reduction in watering days, increase in soil watering depth, and day of year. Once set, the FROG controller provides incremental adjustments over the course of the year; the homeowner no longer needs to re-set the watering program seasonally to automatically comply with local mandated and voluntary watering restrictions. One aspect provides a web-based wizard that is used to determine a customized water budget/schedule which is input into the FROG controller. Another aspect provides an integration of a network of FROG controllers with a central command unit.

Abstract: A system for monitoring field surface conditions includes a support arm and a housing coupled to the support arm such that the housing is supported adjacent to a surface of a field, with the housing extending over a portion of the surface such that a shielded surface area is defined underneath the housing. The system also includes a light source configured to illuminate at least a portion of the shielded surface area defined underneath the housing such that a shadow is created adjacent a surface feature positioned within the shielded surface area and an imaging device configured to capture an image of the surface feature and the adjacent shadow created by the surface feature. Moreover, the system includes a controller configured to estimate a parameter associated with the surface feature based at least in part on an analysis of the adjacent shadow depicted within the image.

Abstract: Systems, apparatus and methods for controlling the ability of a remote control to control at least one remotely controlled device. The systems, methods and apparatus including providing at least one remote controlled remotely controlled device, communicatively coupling the remotely controlled device to a respective driver interface, communicatively coupling the remotely controlled device to a field management system, and sending a signal from the field management system directly to the remotely controlled device. The signal modifies control by the driver interface of the remotely controlled device and modifies power to the remotely controlled device.

Abstract: An irrigation system includes a plurality of mobile support towers driven my motors; a fluid-carrying conduit supported by the mobile towers; a number of water-emitters connected to the conduit; one or more valves which can be opened or closed to control fluid flow through the water emitters; and a control system. The control system controls the speed of the mobile towers and the flow of water through the water emitters in accordance with one or more irrigation scheduling plans. The control system also receives crop growth data from one or more sensors and aerial image data from one or more remote imaging systems and detects significant crop events from the data and improves irrigation scheduling in response to such detections.

Abstract: A plant watering system includes an irrigation mat that can be placed around a plant on top of the soil. The irrigation mat includes a water reservoir that holds water, and a slow-pass water permeable membrane that releases the water in the water reservoir in a slow manner so the soil around the plant is watered at a controlled rate. The irrigation mat may optionally include a threaded port where a container of liquid fertilizer can be placed so the liquid fertilizer is mixed with the water in the reservoir, allowing easily fertilizing the plant as it is watered. The plant watering system may also optionally include a dryness sensor that provides an alert indicating the water reservoir in the irrigation mat needs to be refilled.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to an irrigation system for an agricultural production area. The system receives wide-area meteorological prediction data and sensors deployed within the agricultural production area collect local-area sensor data. A processor stores received data as historical wide-area meteorological prediction data and data from the sensors as historical local-area sensor data. The processor determines a correlation between the historical wide-area meteorological prediction data and the historical local-area sensor data based on the historical wide-area meteorological prediction data and the historical local-area sensor data, and calculates a prediction on water supply relative to water demand within the agricultural production area based on current wide-area meteorological prediction data, and the calculated correlation.

Abstract: A system and method for providing irrigation management services is disclosed. The system may include a plurality of controllers, where each controller controls application of water by an irrigation system associated with the controller. A central computer that is remote from each of the controllers may be configured to implement an irrigation management plan that is individualized to each location and based, at least in part, upon one or more characteristics of the location as determined by an on-site visit. The irrigation manager may guarantee that the system will provide a return on investment within a predefined period of time. The system may also detect faults in the irrigation systems using water usage data from the controllers and diagnose the faults. A technician may be notified and dispatched to repair the faults.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide systems and methods for controlling water flow in a water distribution system (e.g., irrigation system). In an irrigation system, an interrupt controller receives control signals from an irrigation controller and data from sensors disposed in the irrigation system, and modifies operations of components in the irrigation system based on the sensor data. The sensor data is analyzed to determine conditions in the irrigation system. Based on the analysis, the operation of the irrigation system is interrupted or modified to optimize the supply of water. The interruption or modification of the operation of the irrigation system allows detected abnormal conditions to be investigated and corrected.

Abstract: An irrigation system includes a central pivot and a series of mobile towers connected to the central pivot and to one another by support structure. Each mobile tower has wheels and a motor for driving at least one of the wheels. A control system operates the motors to maintain alignment of the mobile towers and the central pivot while preventing power usage of the system from exceeding a maximum power threshold. The control system determines in which sequence to operate the motors to maintain alignment of the mobile towers while operating no more than a selected number of the motors simultaneously.

Abstract: A tractor assembly includes a tractor having a first set of wheels and a second set of wheels, a mower-conditioner assembly coupled to the tractor, a shield coupled to the conditioner at a location rearward thereof, and a crop moving assembly coupled to either the tractor or mower-conditioner assembly. The mower-conditioner assembly includes a mowing mechanism configured to cut a crop and a conditioner configured to crimp the crop. The shield deflects the crimped crop rearwardly therefrom and forms a windrow of a first width. The windrow is disposed directly behind the tractor and includes a device for spreading the windrow in at least one direction to form a second width. The second width is greater than the first width.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method for automated guidance comprising receiving an image of a field; identifying one or more characteristics of the field in the image; determining one or more geographic locations corresponding to the one or more characteristics of the field in the image; determining a path to be followed in the field using the one or more geographic locations; and automatically guiding the machine to follow the path.

Abstract: A convenient, water-saving and labor-saving FROG irrigation controller and system are provided, which determine the appropriate water budget and schedule for the property's landscaping based on evapotranspiration data for the geographic area, regulation data (any mandated and voluntary watering restrictions), and property-specific data, with consideration given to reduction in watering days, increase in soil watering depth, and day of year. Once set, the FROG controller provides incremental adjustments over the course of the year; the homeowner no longer needs to re-set the watering program seasonally to comply with local mandated and voluntary watering restrictions. Compliance is automatic and obligatory, meeting the water saving goals of the local water authority. Optionally presented is a web-based wizard used to determine a customized water budget/schedule that is input into the FROG controller through a data storage unit or wireless input.

Abstract: A power supply management circuit manages transfer of power that is supplied to a peripheral device from a power supply device. The power supply management circuit includes a current limiter and one or more capacitors. The current limiter limits intensity of first current received from the power supply device through an input terminal to be smaller than or equal to limitation intensity, and outputs second current having intensity limited to be smaller than or equal to the limitation intensity through an output terminal connected to the peripheral device. When the intensity of the first current exceeds the limitation intensity, the capacitors output third current through the output terminal.

Abstract: Methods and system for multi-dimensional environmental monitoring, systematic dissection of interpretive relationships and extensive computational analysis, which can be displayed in a visual real-time data-rich web-based configuration called AdviroGuard™ interpretive analysis. By means of building data subsets and in harmonization with the laws of physics contained within a particular environmental medium, strict statistical analysis are applied to produce significant and pertinent information for key decision makers.

Abstract: A soil moisture sensor and a soil moisture sensing system are provided. The soil moisture sensor includes a double groove helical structure having grooves and formed from an insulator. The soil moisture sensor further includes at least a first electrode and a second electrode formed from one or more metals deposited at at least two different locations on the grooves. The soil moisture sensor also includes a processor for processing a soil moisture measurement signal based on a conductivity between the electrodes. The soil moisture sensor additionally includes a wireless transmitter for transmitting the soil moisture measurement signal to a remote location.

Abstract: An irrigation system includes a central pivot and a series of mobile towers connected to the central pivot and to one another by support structure. Each mobile tower has wheels and a motor for driving at least one of the wheels. A control system operates the motors to maintain alignment of the mobile towers and the central pivot while preventing power usage of the system from exceeding a maximum power threshold. The control system determines in which sequence to operate the motors to maintain alignment of the mobile towers while operating no more than a selected number of the motors simultaneously.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are described for a moisture sensor. For example, one embodiment of an IoT device comprises: An Internet of Things (IoT) device comprising: a moisture sensor to detect a moisture level; an IoT communication interface and/or radio to wirelessly connect the IoT device to a network; a set of pins, pads, and/or probes to electrically couple the moisture sensor to conductive elements of one or more moisture sensor attachments; and an enclosure surrounding the moisture sensor and IoT communication interface and/or radio, the enclosure having one or more connection elements formed thereon to fixedly couple one or more moisture sensor attachments to the enclosure, thereby electrically coupling the set of pins, pads, and/or probes of the moisture sensor to the conductive elements of the moisture sensor attachments.

Abstract: A system and method for moisture control includes a computer, a probe controller connected to the computer, a set of probes connected to the probe controller, a sprinkler controller connected to the computer, and a set of sprinklers connected to the sprinkler controller. The set of probes are driven into the ground according to a predetermined set of positions. A set of high voltage currents is injected into the ground through the set of probes and measurements are taken. A three-dimensional resistivity model is generated from the measurements and is compared to a set of moisture requirements. A set of sprinkler commands is generated based on the three-dimensional resistivity model and the set of moisture requirements. If the three-dimensional resistivity model meets the set of moisture requirements, the set of sprinklers are activated in each of a set of sprinkler zones according the three-dimensional resistivity model where watering is needed.

Abstract: The disclosure extends to methods, systems, and computer program products for generating and optimizing irrigation protocols. The disclosure extends to methods, systems, and computer program products for optimizing water usage in growing plants for yard and crops. The disclosure also extends to methods, systems and computer program products for providing automated irrigation.

Abstract: A method for managing the operation of an object capable of contactless communication with a reader, magnetically coupled to the object, includes at least one phase for transmission of information from the object to the reader, including a modulation of the impedance of a load connected across the terminals of the antenna of the object. The method furthermore comprises a control phase that includes an estimation of the distance between the object and the reader and an adjustment of the impedance of the load as a function of the estimated distance.

Abstract: A mesh-based wireless network 10 of sensor/actuator devices I, D, T for an agricultural production area involves battery-powered sensors and actuators deployed under or within the foliage for broadcast communication with at least one repeater R according to broadcast time slots. The repeaters R are mounted above the vegetation canopy so as to be powered by solar panels. The repeaters R form a mesh network for routing data and commands to and from the sensors and actuators and at least one gateway GW. The gateway communicates over a cellular network with a remote agricultural management server 14 and database 16.

Abstract: A water irrigation restriction violation system includes a geostationary satellite to collect soil surface moisture data and rain data throughout a given day for a geographic region. A processor and a memory coupled to the processor are configured to store water irrigation restrictions for governmental jurisdictions for the geographic region, receive the soil surface moisture data and rain data from the geostationary satellite, and determine a water irrigation restriction violation based upon the stored water irrigation restrictions and the received soil surface moisture data and rain data. A violation notification is then sent to a corresponding governmental jurisdiction for the determined water irrigation restriction violation.

Abstract: A device for detecting and marking ticks and tick bites on a body or limb. The device has an image capturing device that is in communication with image recognition software. Images of skin are analyzed to detect objects consistent with ticks or tick bites. Once such object is detected, the device automatically disperses a marking material in the proximity of the detected tick or tick bite.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the automatic irrigation of plants, wherein the temporal progression of soil moisture is determined from measured soil moisture values, and said progression is used for the calculation of an optimized irrigation time duration, such that both water excess in the soil and soil drying are avoided as much as possible. Preferably, the time duration of irrigation is constantly evaluated and optimized using comparisons of measured values with prespecified moisture- and dryness threshold values (GWmoist, GWdry), and automatically adjusted to changing environmental conditions and/or plant requirements.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide systems, methods, and computer program products for deploying infrastructures for variable rate water distribution systems. Embodiments of the present invention can afford users with the ability to control water distribution as well as modify existing infrastructures to meet dynamic target water distribution area demands. Furthermore, embodiments of the present invention may be used to provide users with accessibility to components for expedited servicing, modification, etc.

Abstract: A water flow metering device for use as a handheld or ground-based sprinkler includes a device body having a water inlet, a water distribution head in fluid communication with the device body, and a flow pattern selector. The flow pattern selector is coupled to the water distribution head and meters the amount of water sprayed onto the surrounding area. The flow pattern selector includes indicia that provide flow rate information to an operator. A pressure control valve regulates the flow rate in accordance with the information provided by the flow pattern selector. The water flow metering device may also include a timing mechanism having a timer which closes the water supply after a set period of time. A pressure transducer or other flow rate measuring device may allow the timer to operate the device for a predetermined amount of water distribution in inches per hour.

Abstract: Disclosed embodiments can provide a system and method for controlling irrigation schedules for a sprinkler system including automatically updating irrigation schedules based on qualitative and quantitative feedback and meteorological data as well as matching optimal or near-optimal irrigation schedules to other sprinkler zones based on characteristics of the landscape and sprinkler system as well as other characteristics.

Abstract: An illuminated sprinkler device and system is provided that can be easily retro-fitted and installed with existing or new sprinkler systems. In one aspect, the illuminated sprinkler device includes a power converter for converting AC to DC power from a main controller, an illuminated cover having LED's for coupling with a sprinkler head, and one or more securement members for securing the illuminated cover to the sprinkler head. Here, the LED's of the sprinkler head are configured to operate in conjunction with the operation of the sprinkler system.

Abstract: Sprinkler control units, that are designed to control water usage in residential and commercial above ground sprinkler systems, are disclosed herein. The sprinkler control units operate with any above-ground sprinkler system. They require reduced external power, and use the water flowing through the device to generate power. and are powered by the water flowing through the module. The modules are built with buried sensors that measure the ground saturation level, thus altering the water supply provided through the sprinkler system(s).

Abstract: The invention is a centralized server-based system containing a database with relevant information regarding features, parameters, and characteristics of a particular irrigation system, which utilizes proprietary irrigation software to control a plurality of field modules, at one or more remote locations, via a network bridge adapter. An irrigation system may comprise a single server, or multiple servers that may be configured so that control of the entire system is centralized, and control of one or multiple irrigation locations may be accomplished remotely by wirelessly accessing, monitoring and controlling a location's field module matrix.

Abstract: Methods and systems control an irrigation system that includes an irrigation controller, a valve actuator, and at least one irrigation sensor connected by a communication circuit. A sensor charging pulse having a temporal duration less than a solenoid actuation time threshold for a solenoid is provided over the communication circuit. The sensor charging pulse charges a charge storage device in at least one irrigation sensor. A series of addressing pulses is also generated over the communication circuit, which indicate a device identifier of at least one irrigation sensor. The series of addressing pulses activate at least one irrigation sensor having the device identifier indicated by the series of addressing pulses such that the activated irrigation sensor provides a sensor signal indicative of an irrigation condition to the irrigation controller via the communication network.

Abstract: A discharge system includes: a head unit including discharge heads that discharge a liquid material from nozzle openings that are communication with cavities onto a target by changing the internal pressure of the cavities using piezo elements; a viscosity estimating unit that estimates the viscosity of the liquid material by sucking the liquid material from first vessels that hold the liquid material into the cavities; and a waveform control unit that controls the voltage applied to the piezo elements according to the estimated viscosity of the liquid material.

Abstract: An irrigation device comprising a moisture responsive barrier is provided. At least a portion of the barrier has perforations, at least some of the perforations are associated with a water swellable material. The perforations are configured to open as the water swellable material loses moisture and dries out and are configured to close as said water swellable material is exposed to and absorbs water, such as during a watering step.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention is directed to a soil moisture sensor for interrupting an irrigation schedule of an irrigation controller. The moisture sensor comprises a relatively flat body with two lower electrodes and two lower anchoring barbs. A receiver receives moisture readings from the sensor and compares moisture data to a predetermined moisture interrupt value or limit, over which irrigation is interrupted.

Abstract: A method controlling an agricultural sprayer includes identifying an herbicide to be sprayed using the agricultural sprayer, determining a geoposition associated with the agricultural sprayer within a field, determining if crop planted at the geoposition is tolerant to the herbicide using as-planted data, and if the crop is not tolerant of the herbicide, preventing herbicide spraying operations while the agricultural sprayer is at the geoposition. An agricultural sprayer adapted for performing the method is also provided.

Abstract: Provided are a system and method for wireless irrigation control with a remote application. The system includes a processor and plurality of interactive zone switches for connection to at least one irrigation device; each zone switch further operable to detect a state of a connected irrigation device. Non-volatile memory is coupled to the processor and provided with executable instructions to direct operation of each interactive zone switch. There is at least one remote application to establish a schedule within the non-volatile memory for operation for each interactive zone switch and to receive the schedule from the non-volatile memory in response to a users desire to review or modify the schedule. A wireless network component is coupled to the processor and the non-volatile memory and is in communication with the remote application to schedule operation of at least one interactive zone switch and at least one irrigation device.

Abstract: Sprinkler control units, that are designed to control water usage in residential and commercial above ground sprinkler systems, are disclosed herein. The sprinkler control units operate with any above-ground sprinkler system. They require reduced external power, and use the water flowing through the device to generate power. and are powered by the water flowing through the module. The modules are built with buried sensors that measure the ground saturation level, thus altering the water supply provided through the sprinkler system(s).

Abstract: The present system comprises, a MFC controller, emitter-lines that utilize non-drain technology on the emission devices and control valves for individual drip lines or groups of drip lines within an irrigation zone, along with a means to actuate the control valves by the controller. The MCF system utilizes a number of valves in an irrigation system to control either individual emitter-lines or groups of emitter-lines but does not control individual emitters. The present system has a programmable controller that has a number of stations, each of which controls a group of valves. Each station can be programmed for start time and duration that the station is actuated. Each station can be programmed independently from all the others allowing overlap or complimentary irrigation. The total input flow rate to the system remains nearly constant during a daily irrigation while the valve groups are cycling within the system.

Abstract: A sprinkler head has an inlet to receive a fluid from a pipeline, and a nozzle to spray the received fluid. In one embodiment, a body that couples the inlet to the nozzle includes an electromechanical fluid flow control device via which to vary an amount of fluid pressure presented to the nozzle. In another embodiment, the nozzle includes an electromechanical aperture via which to vary a flow of the received fluid. An electromechanical wheel coupled to the nozzle rotates the nozzle in a direction.

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.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved sprinkler system that allows each sprinkler to be independently controlled, thus each sprinkler is its own irrigation zone. Further, the improved sprinkler system operates wirelessly. Each sprinkler includes a valve, a valve control means attached to the valve, a microprocessor connected to the valve control means, and a transceiver connected to the microprocessor. Each sprinkler is in wireless communication with a base station, which can be programmed to individually control each sprinkler Optionally, the sprinkler may include a moisture sensor, which allows for more precise irrigation based on conditions present in or around the sprinkler head. In another embodiment, a valve communicating client (VCC) is connected to a valve control means of a valve. The base station may similarly control the VCC.

Abstract: A watering mat is provided for the large-area distribution of water, particularly in horticulture and landscaping as well as agriculture. The watering mat includes a first and a second carrier layer to accommodate other elements of the watering mat, one or more connections for connecting the first and the second carrier layers, one or more water-feeding elements arranged between the first and the second carrier layers for feeding water into the watering mat and distributing water through the watering mat, an absorption layer for water storage arranged between the first and the second carrier layers and a moisture level detector in the watering mat.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an irrigation sprinkler sensor for sensing if a sprinkler riser has elevated, if water is flowing through the sprinkler riser, if the sprinkler is rotating, or if a sprinkler valve has properly closed.

Abstract: A tensiometer for use in determining matric potential of a soil includes a water inlet; a hydraulic coupler comprising a porous material for providing hydraulic coupling between water that enters the inlet and the soil; and a septum that seals water that enters the inlet against ingress of air via the porous material.