Abstract: Long range, battery powered, wireless environmental sensor interface devices that can be connected to a plurality of sensors and wirelessly communicate the sensor readings back to a central collection device or Internet terminal. Instead or additionally, sensors can be integrated with the device for added efficiency. The devices incorporate a rugged enclosure and an internal power supply that allows them to be placed in harsh environmental conditions and operate for multiple years without maintenance due to unique power-saving design features. The RF circuitry is specially optimized for long-range outdoor communications of small quantities of data. Line-of-sight communication range of several miles is possible with this device. Various embodiments are disclosed.

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: 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: In one embodiment of the present invention, irrigation software is provided for an irrigation system. The irrigation software may include a hierarchical watering plan display, water pump adjustment, water pump efficiency profile use, a soil moisture interface, a historical flow interface, a demand ET interface, an instant program interface, an instant program interface, a manual irrigation interface, a precipitation management group interface, a rain schedule adjustment algorithm, a map-to-monitor button, a universal start time shift interface, and a conditional screen saver.

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 wireless soil sensor includes a curved surface and at least two groups of sensor-pin electrodes. A tine-catching block is disposed within the sensor body, near a top of the sensor to protect against aeration tools damaging components of the sensor. The electrical circuitry and the battery are separately potted in an epoxy material and oriented vertically, creating a central gap through which an incoming aeration tine is directed.

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: 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: 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: 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: Long range, battery powered, wireless environmental sensor interface devices that can be connected to a plurality of sensors and wirelessly communicate the sensor readings back to a central collection device or Internet terminal. Instead or additionally, sensors can be integrated with the device for added efficiency. The devices incorporate a rugged enclosure and an internal power supply that allows them to be placed in harsh environmental conditions and operate for multiple years without maintenance due to unique power-saving design features. The RF circuitry is specially optimized for long-range outdoor communications of small quantities of data. Line-of-sight communication range of several miles is possible with this device. Various embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: Systems, apparatuses and methods of using an acoustic communication mechanism to transmit data in the form of acoustic data from a mobile device to an electronic device are described. In one embodiment, a method of completing a purchase with a merchant using a mobile device starts with the mobile device sending a request message to a central server through a network interface. The mobile device then receives a token from the central server through the network interface that confirms that a payment in the purchase amount has been received at the merchant's account. This token is then translated into acoustic data and transmitted from the mobile device to an electronic device being associated with the identification of a merchant. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: The present invention includes a wireless soil sensor having a curved surface and at least two groups of sensor-pin electrodes. A tine-catching block is disposed within the sensor body, near a top of the sensor to protect against aeration tools damaging components of the sensor. The electrical circuitry and the battery are separately potted in an epoxy material and oriented vertically, creating a central gap through which an incoming aeration tine is directed.

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: In one embodiment of the present invention, irrigation software is provided for an irrigation system. The irrigation software may include a hierarchical watering plan display, water pump adjustment, water pump efficiency profile use, a soil moisture interface, a historical flow interface, a demand ET interface, an instant program interface, an instant program interface, a manual irrigation interface, a precipitation management group interface, a rain schedule adjustment algorithm, a map-to-monitor button, a universal start time shift interface, and a conditional screen saver.

Abstract: Long range, battery powered, wireless environmental sensor interface devices that can be connected to a plurality of sensors and wirelessly communicate the sensor readings back to a central collection device or Internet terminal. Instead or additionally, sensors can be integrated with the device for added efficiency. The devices incorporate a rugged enclosure and an internal power supply that allows them to be placed in harsh environmental conditions and operate for multiple years without maintenance due to unique power-saving design features. The RF circuitry is specially optimized for long-range outdoor communications of small quantities of data. Line-of-sight communication range of several miles is possible with this device. Various embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: Long range, battery powered, wireless environmental sensor interface devices that can be connected to a plurality of sensors and wirelessly communicate the sensor readings back to a central collection device or Internet terminal. Instead or additionally, sensors can be integrated with the device for added efficiency. The devices incorporate a rugged enclosure and an internal power supply that allows them to be placed in harsh environmental conditions and operate for multiple years without maintenance due to unique power-saving design features. The RF circuitry is specially optimized for long-range outdoor communications of small quantities of data. Line-of-sight communication range of several miles is possible with this device. Various embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: System for large area such as citywide telemetry data collection networks using a Mesh network of nodes including a backbone network of nodes, usually powered, and a plurality of sensor nodes, usually battery operated, in the Mesh network to communicate directly or indirectly through other such nodes, to one or more backbone nodes. Power consumption is held very low for the battery powered nodes by only requiring communication over very short distances, and by synchronizing operation of the system with a low duty cycle. The system may be self configuring, such as by using the Ad hoc On Demand Distance Vector routing protocol. Two way communication is possible for control and other purposes. Various applications and possible features are disclosed.

Abstract: A universal wireless access control and paging system including universal wireless identity devices, fixed RF nodes, location beacons, and other devices which can store access privileges, store and provide personal identification information, record personal activity and presence, and deliver text or audio messages. The key component in the system is the universal identification card which contains wireless communication circuitry, data display circuitry, and a memory circuit for the storage of personal and location information. Further the universal identification card contains a microprocessor coupled to the memory circuitry, the display circuitry and the data communications circuitry. The device also can contain an input means to allow the user to control the card function during operation. This includes the ability to select what personal information can be accessed over the wireless communication means.