Soil Moisture Sensing Patents (Class 137/78.3)
  • Patent number: 11930744
    Abstract: A system and method of irrigation control calculates a predicted soil moisture value based that is compared to low moisture threshold. If the predicted soil moisture value is a value below the low moisture threshold value, the next irrigation cycle or scheduled irrigation operation is allowed to proceed or otherwise activated. The predicted soil moisture value may be calculated by adjusting a current soil moisture value by a historical adjustment factor based on negative net changes in soil moisture values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2024
    Assignee: The Toro Company
    Inventors: Michael Jackson, James D. Laiche
  • Patent number: 11841356
    Abstract: One aspect of the present invention relates to a lawn monitoring system, and more specifically, to a lawn monitoring system installed at various locations where lawn is created, such as a golf course, a soccer field, a baseball field, etc., to receive lawn status information, thereby enabling a lawn manager to manage the lawn based on the information received from the system. The lawn monitoring system according to an embodiment of the present invention has effects of accurately and efficiently transmitting the status information of the lawn in places where the lawn is created, such as a golf course, a soccer field, a baseball field, to a lawn manager.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2023
    Inventor: Doo Soo Kim
  • Patent number: 11768188
    Abstract: In an embodiment, a sensor system and a method for monitoring properties of field soils and wastewater are described. In an embodiment, a sensor system comprises a cartridge system implemented in an integrated circuit. The cartridge system comprises a chemical sensor and a computer processor coupled to the chemical sensor. The chemical sensor is configured to receive a sample of a test material such as soil or wastewater. Based on the sample of the test material, the chemical sensor determines a measure of a property in the test material. The computer processor receives, from the chemical sensor, the measure of the property in the test material, and computes, based on, at least in part, the measure of the property in the test material, a concentration level of the property in the test material. Based on the concentration level of the property in the test material, the computer processor generates an output that includes the concentration level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2023
    Assignee: CLIMATE LLC
    Inventors: Jordan Kusiek, Andreas Wenzel, Calden Nathaniel Carroll Stimpson
  • Patent number: 11439151
    Abstract: An agricultural medium to control plant disease and nematodes by first applying to the agricultural medium an effective amount of an aqueous peroxyacetic acid composition; and then inoculating the soil with beneficial organisms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2022
    Assignee: BioSafe Systems LLC
    Inventor: Robert Larose
  • Patent number: 11435004
    Abstract: A shut-off valve (10) comprises a valve housing (12, 14) having a valve inlet (28), a valve outlet (30), a fluid flow channel (32) extending between the valve inlet and the valve outlet, a valve closure member (34) displaceable into the fluid flow channel to prevent fluid flow through the flow channel and a volume within the housing for receiving a compressed absorbent body (42) which expands when in contact with liquid. The compressed absorbent body (42) is configured to displace the valve closure member (34) into the fluid flow channel (32) when expanded, and the housing (12, 14) comprises a closable aperture (52) which allows access to the volume for replacing the absorbent body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2022
    Assignee: ICON TECHNOLOGY SYSTEMS LIMITED
    Inventor: David Cupit
  • Patent number: 11293910
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides for an electronic sensor for detecting a root of a plant in soil, the electronic sensor that includes a first conductor plate configured to be disposed in soil, a switch, a power supply, and signal extractor. The switch is electrically coupled to the first conductor plate and is configured to switch between a first mode and a second mode. The power supply is electrically coupled to the switch and is configured to provide an electrical charge to the first conductor plate in the first mode of the switch. The signal extractor is electrically coupled to the switch and is configured to extract a signal response at the first conductor plate in the second mode of the switch. The present disclosure further provides a second conductor plate configured to be disposed in soil adjacent to and substantially parallel to the first conductor plate. The second conductor plate is electrically coupled to ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2022
    Assignee: Hi Fidelity Genetics, Inc.
    Inventors: Philip Benfey, Jesse Windle, Daniel Goldman, Jeffrey Aguilar, Logan Johnson
  • Patent number: 11234381
    Abstract: A turf management system for a multi-climate environment including respective micro-climates at different green surfaces that are remote from one another includes a plurality of local control circuits including respective communication interfaces that are configured to receive sensor data from environmental sensors that are locally positioned at the different green surfaces, and a central control circuit that is configured to be communicatively coupled to the local control circuits. The central control circuit includes a network interface that is configured to receive data indicating differing local conditions at the respective micro-climates from the local control circuits, and a processor that is configured to aggregate the data indicating the differing local conditions at the respective micro-climates for output to a user interface. Related circuits, methods of operation, and computer program products are also discussed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2022
    Assignee: SubAir Systems LLC
    Inventor: Bruce E. Mikkelson
  • Patent number: 11185009
    Abstract: A system for measuring temperature and dielectric properties of soil and other semi-solid materials on-the-go uses a long-wearing non-ferrous wear plate with two metal prongs supported by the wear plate to measure dielectric properties. The metal prongs each have a mounting end soldered to a printed circuit board containing a capacitance sensor circuit. The metal prongs have exposed ends arranged to contact the semi-solid material being measured. The sensor circuit has an oscillation frequency of 50 to 100 MHz to allow rapid dielectric measurements to be made as the sensor moves through the semi-solid material. In one embodiment, the system includes an implement for traversing a field, a shank with a leading edge for opening a furrow in soil, and a spring-loaded mounting system for biasing the wear plate downwardly relative to a shank to maintain a consistent pressure of the wear plate and metal prongs against the soil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2021
    Assignee: Veris Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Chase Maxton, Kyle Jensen
  • Patent number: 11184924
    Abstract: Systems and method for multiple uplink starting positions are disclosed. In some embodiments, a method of operating a wireless communication device includes identifying candidate starting positions for an uplink (UL) transmission in an unlicensed spectrum and selecting at least one starting position from among the candidate start positions based on autonomous UL starting points according to an outcome of a listen-before-talk (LBT) procedure performed with respect to the unlicensed spectrum and/or one or more fixed UL starting points signaled in a UL grant. In this way, a wireless communication device may improve throughput by using resources that would not have been available otherwise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2021
    Assignee: Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson (publ)
    Inventors: Yu Yang, Jung-Fu Cheng, Reem Karaki
  • Patent number: 11149123
    Abstract: Highly-swellable polymeric films are provided. Aspects also include ingestible compositions that include the highly-swellable polymeric film and an ingestible component. Aspects further include methods of making and using the compositions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2021
    Assignee: OTSUKA PHARMACEUTICAL CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hooman Hafezi, Raymond Schmidt
  • Patent number: 11119513
    Abstract: Some embodiments provide a system and method for interfacing with an irrigation controller based on rainfall, the system comprising: an interface unit including a housing and a control unit within the housing and configured to: cause an interruption of one or more watering schedules executed by the irrigation controller, which is separate from the interface unit, based on signaling received from a rain sensor including hygroscopic material, when a sensed expansion of the hygroscopic material is above a set rainfall accumulation threshold parameter, the rain sensor being separate from the interface unit and the hygroscopic material being configured to expand in response to being contacted by the rainfall and to contract in response to an absence of the rainfall; and remove the interruption after a completion of a predetermined interval of time after a sensed contraction of the hygroscopic material indicative of a rainfall stop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2021
    Assignee: Rain Bird Corporation
    Inventors: Steven W. Weiler, Joseph G. Porrazzo, Jr.
  • Patent number: 11076540
    Abstract: A method of plant-initiated, cognitive watering is provided, which includes providing first a sensor(s) to ascertain water content within a xylem of a root of a first plant to determine tensile stress on a first root wall of the first plant, and a second sensor(s) to determine water content within a xylem of a root of a second plant to determine tensile stress on a second root wall of the second plant. Further, the method includes operatively coupling the first and second sensors to a control to determine whether the tensile stress on the first root wall reaches a specified threshold, and to determine whether tensile stress on the second root wall correlates to there being excess water content in soil in a region of the second plant, and if so, initiating, via the control, moving water from the region of the second plant to soil around the first plant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2021
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventor: Pramod Verma
  • Patent number: 10945388
    Abstract: An irrigation management system monitors irrigation parameters, including progress of flood irrigation water admitted onto a farm field, water levels in ditches, basins or boxes, soil moisture, water usage and other important factors. In flood irrigation a series of small, inexpensive sensors detect the presence in each of the sensor locations in a field, and each sends a signal when water first reaches the sensor. In a preferred form the sensor communicates by long-range radio communication either directly with a hub or gateway, or by sending a transmission that is relayed from location to location and ultimately to the hub or gateway. All aspects of irrigation water need, availability, task completion, pipe and equipment status, and water usage are monitored and communicated to the farmer. The system allows efficient water management and reliable and responsible irrigation at all irrigated fields.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2021
    Inventor: Blake Nervino
  • Patent number: 10856476
    Abstract: An agricultural irrigation control system including a pump, a dual port and on/off diverter in fluid communication with the pump, a multi-port diverter in fluid communication with the dual port and on/off diverter, a controller board in electronic communication with the dual port and on/off diverter and the multi-port diverter, the controller board controlling the operation of the dual port and on/off diverter and the multi-port diverter, and a plurality of environmental sensors in electronic communication with the controller board, where the agricultural irrigation control system is configured for individualized administration of one or more substances to one or more agricultural products based on real-time analysis of the one or more agricultural products and/or a surrounding environment of the one or more agricultural products provided by one or more environmental sensors of the plurality of environmental sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2020
    Assignee: AgroMe Inc.
    Inventor: Alejandro Gustavo Imass Tariffi
  • Patent number: 10750685
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates systems and methods for providing remote irrigation system operation. In any embodiment, the method for a home automation system may include coupling an irrigation control bypass module with a legacy irrigation control panel associated with a legacy irrigation automation system. The method may also include setting the legacy irrigation control panel to an inactive state, and operating the legacy irrigation automation system based at least in part on a first set of one or more instructions received from the irrigation control bypass module. In any embodiment, the irrigation control bypass module may be initiated based at least in part on a second set of one or more instructions received from the home automation system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2020
    Assignee: Vivint, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Scott Carlson, Thomas Colby Winegar, Brian Brower, Jeremy Bruce Warren, Harrison Taylor Jenkins, Alexander J. Dunn, Michael Scott Moulton
  • Patent number: 10561081
    Abstract: A fertigation system comprises: a controller that transmits sensor data to a fertigation control server, and that controls a water supply valve, a culture stock solution supply valve, and a discharge valve on the basis of received data; and a fertigation control server that, on the basis of the sensor data received from the controller, calculates control amounts for the water supply valve, the culture stock solution supply valve, and the discharge valve, and returns the control amounts to the controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2020
    Assignees: Routrek Networks, Inc., MEIJI UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Kiyoshi Ozawa, Shunrokuro Fujiwara, Shinichi Sasaki, Eiji Kita, Hironao Tokitsu, Hiroshi Taketazu
  • Patent number: 10531617
    Abstract: Plant-initiated, cognitive watering is provided, which includes ascertaining tensile stress on a root wall of a plant, and determining whether the tensile stress on the root wall of the plant reaches a specified threshold. Based on determining that the tensile stress on the root wall of the plant reaches the specified threshold, the method includes facilitating increasing water content in soil around the plant. In one or more implementations, the method may be implemented via a cognitive watering system, which controls the increasing of water content in soil around the plant based, for instance, on data analytics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2020
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventor: Pramod Verma
  • Patent number: 10390501
    Abstract: A controller including Wi-Fi connectivity to the internet and adapted as an add-on over-riding controller for a controller of electric sprinkler valves. The over-riding controller provides local intelligence to optionally prevent an electrical output of the sprinkler controller from actuating a sprinkler valve if one or more parameter is exceeded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2019
    Assignee: Technology West, LLC
    Inventors: Aaron G. Schoenberg, Alexander S. Whitelock
  • Patent number: 10365196
    Abstract: The present invention provides a water tension sensor with a non-sintered core that allows batches of similar and standard sensors to be manufactured in a simple manner, for operation with air and with an air flow outlet, which sensor can be used to read water tension and trigger dripping. The sensor according to the invention is ideal for manually reading soil water tension and for automating irrigation systems based on a static pressure or gas propulsion mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2019
    Assignees: EMPRESA BRASILEIRA DE PESQUISA AGROPECUÁRIA—EMBRAPA, TECNICER TECHNOLOGIA CERÂMICA LTDA
    Inventors: Adonai Gimenez Calbo, Carlos Manoel Pedro Vaz, Waldir Aparecido Marouelli, Luis Fernando Porto
  • Patent number: 10292345
    Abstract: A plant watering system includes a reservoir, a plant growth container located adjacent the reservoir, the reservoir having a water level in use below the container, one or more channels communicating between the reservoir and container, and a closing member for each channel movable between a lower open position and an upper closed position, wherein in the open position water in the reservoir may pass into the container to moisten a plant growth medium contained in the container and wherein, in the closed position the passage of water is prevented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Inventor: Ki Mau Lau
  • Patent number: 10285344
    Abstract: An irrigation controller comprises actuable controls, a memory to store the watering program, and one or more displays. The actuable controls and display are incorporated into a removable face pack that is mounted to an interior door of the irrigation controller. The face pack can be easily moved from a first position on the front side of the interior door to a second position on the back side of the interior door and the face pack automatically senses its position. When the face pack is in the first position, the actuable controls and display are configured for operating information. When the face pack is in the second position, the wiring hook up area of the irrigation controller is exposed and the actuable controls and display are configured for diagnostics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Assignee: Hunter Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard C. Stange, Thomas C. Kadien, Steven B. Cook, Kok Huat Chong
  • Patent number: 10206343
    Abstract: A plant nutrient delivery system comprises a sensor, an electronically actuated valve and an electronic controller. The sensor is positionable in plant growing media and operable to detect a condition of the plant growing media. The electronically actuated valve has a connection to a liquid nutrient source. The electronic controller is linked to the sensor and to the electronically actuated valve. The controller is programmed to carry out automatic demand-based nutrient delivery to the plant growing media by controlling the electronically actuated valve to turn on and off based on signals received from the sensor regarding a condition of the plant growing media, thereby causing a flow of the liquid nutrient into the plant growth media to start and to stop. Methods are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2019
    Assignee: EwerSmith Enterprises, LLC
    Inventors: Fred Lee Ewer, Christopher Harry Smith, Alan Leroy Harris
  • Patent number: 10188051
    Abstract: A system and method for efficiently controlling irrigation and leaching of crops (52) using a pulse detector (60) and digital controller (74) of a water source is disclosed. Irrigation was controlled by using a detector (60) for the water exiting a crop (52) designed to generate a pulse when a predetermined volume of water passes through the crop (52). The grower determines the number of pulses that optimizes the grower's object of minimizing wasted irrigation water or optimizing leaching of the crop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2019
    Inventors: Maureen Estelle Thiessen, Jeffrey Stewart Beasley, Edward Wayne Bush
  • Patent number: 10010031
    Abstract: A multifunctional underground irrigation system comprises of an underground irrigation, fertilization and respiration (UIFR) device with three types of air/pressure releasing structures, an universal unique label and label reader, three irrigation monitoring indicators, various sample collecting channels and measurement devices, a movable monitoring device, a water supply system, and a data center. The water containers, water drip controlling device, water flow rate controlling device, AAB device and AWPAE devices constitute the irrigation device for field plants or potted plants culture. The combination of the wireless technologies with various sensors in one of three indicators enables the underground irrigation to be visible, hearable, viewable and remotely controllable at real time and real-location manner for precision management of plant cultivation. The movable device provides a way to monitor the water supply system and to calibrate data obtained from UIFR devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2018
    Inventors: Xue Wu Liu, Tian Li David Liu, Rui Li
  • Patent number: 10012182
    Abstract: A fuel vapor processing apparatus may include a diaphragm valve disposed in a vapor path communicating between a fuel tank and a canister. The diaphragm valve may include a valve chamber, a backpressure chamber, a diaphragm partitioning the valve chamber and the backpressure chamber from each other; and a valve member attached to the diaphragm. The backpressure chamber is not directly opened to an outside of the diaphragm valve. A control valve device may control a pressure within the backpressure chamber of the diaphragm valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2018
    Assignee: AISAN KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Tetsuya Ishikawa, Norihisa Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 9987649
    Abstract: A sprinkler includes a compartment that surrounds its riser portion in an offset or asymmetrical configuration. More specifically, the distance of the compartments walls from those of the riser vary (i.e., increase or decrease) at different locations surrounding the riser. Put another way, the riser is closer to one side of the compartment than other sides of the compartment. This non-concentric configuration allows larger components to fit inside the compartment than would otherwise fit if the riser was symmetrically surrounded by the compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2018
    Assignee: The Toro Company
    Inventors: James T. Wright, III, Steven C. Renquist
  • Patent number: 9958301
    Abstract: Yield monitoring systems for harvesting machines and methods that can provide yield monitoring of crops are described. Machines include those that pneumatically convey crop through the machine such as peanut harvesting machines. The yield monitoring system includes a force sensor that can be located in conjunction with a duct of the harvesting machine such that impact of the crop materials on an impact plate within the duct will be registered by the force sensor. This registration can be used to determine a mass flow rate for the crop, which can be correlated to yield of the crop. The systems can include additional components such as optical monitors, moisture sensors, and pressure sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: Clemson University
    Inventors: Kendall R. Kirk, J. Warren White, W. Scott Monfort, Hunter F. Massey, D. Hollens Free, Stanley A. Brantley, Joel S. Peele, Jacob B. Fravel, William G. Henderson, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9756797
    Abstract: In an irrigation system and method, a controller acquires data regarding soil moisture from one or more soil moisture sensors disposed in an irrigation area and determines whether to irrigate or withhold irrigation from the irrigation area based on a combination of evapotranspiration (ET) data and the acquired soil moisture data. An irrigation means is responsive to the controller determining whether to apply or withhold irrigation from the irrigation area for respectively applying or withholding irrigation from the irrigation area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Inventors: Larry C. Sarver, Soren Haxvig
  • Patent number: 9717191
    Abstract: The disclosure extends to methods, systems, and computer program products for generating and optimizing irrigation protocols that are in compliance with municipal restrictions. The disclosure also extends to methods, systems and computer program products for providing automated irrigation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: Skydrop Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Clark Endrizzi, Matt Romney, Mack Dalley, Robert Mars
  • Patent number: 9599286
    Abstract: Embodiments of a fluid flow regulating device and methods of using the same are described. Certain embodiments manages fluid flow between one or more input ports and output ports at least partly in response to fluid pressure changes and/or by a mechanism driven by fluid flow, optionally without using electrical power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: Colt Irrigation, LLC
    Inventor: James Walter Hurst
  • Patent number: 9462762
    Abstract: A drip irrigation system valve for placement directly onto soil, including a valve chamber defining an interior space and having an open bottom in fluid communication with the soil onto which it is placed; a water inlet in fluid communication with said interior space and having a valve seat disposed on an interior end; a base stake connected to said valve chamber for insertion into soil; a platform for supporting an expandable member; an expandable member disposed on said platform within said interior space; a valve membrane disposed within said interior space above said expandable member and having an upper side and a lower side and which defines a water reservoir within said interior space above said upper side and which prevents water entering into said valve chamber and from directly contacting said expandable membrane; and a valve seal disposed on said upper side of said valve membrane immediately above said expandable member for sealing engagement with said valve seat when said expandable member is wett
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Inventor: Timothy B. Sheets
  • Patent number: 9347905
    Abstract: A transparency, e.g. an aircraft laminated windshield, includes one or more moisture sensors to monitor moisture penetration to monitor performance of the moisture barrier. The moisture sensor includes a moisture corrodible article or sensor element, e.g. a strip or wire, which changes resistance as a function of corrosion. The sensor element can also include two dissimilar metals, e.g. a bimetal sensor element, or two similar metals having different physical dimensions. With the information provided by the moisture sensors performance of the windshield is available to schedule timely repair or replacement of the windshield that is performing outside of acceptable limits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: PPG Industries Ohio, Inc.
    Inventors: Yu Jiao, Nicolas Benjamin Duarte, Jeremy D. Acord
  • Patent number: 9335315
    Abstract: A system (100) for measuring the depth of saturated soil includes a water level detector (102) along with a stimulating/actuating device (104) that directs an actuating medium into the ground at the elevation of the capillary fringe or below the elevation of the capillary fringe. The actuating medium may consist of water, ultrasound emissions, or vibrations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2016
    Inventor: Odd Hauge
  • Patent number: 9220205
    Abstract: An electronic control unit for programmed watering of lawns, gardens, flower boxes and similar spaces, comprises a front panel, a display, watering program selection push-buttons for selecting the watering duration and the watering repetition frequency and at least one start push-button for starting the selected program. The control unit comprises an electronic micro controller which, in response to the operation of said selection push-buttons, controls the visualization of the duration and frequency of the selected program and, in response to a single operation of the start push-button, controls the immediate start of the selected watering program. If the start push-button is operated for a variable number of times, the micro controller programs the delayed start of the selected program.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2015
    Assignee: CLABER S.P.A.
    Inventors: Andrea Brundisini, Gaetano Franchini, Roberto De Biasi
  • Patent number: 9215848
    Abstract: Electronic control units for programmed watering of lawns, gardens, flower boxes and similar spaces, comprise a front panel including a single push-button for selecting a watering program, at least one push-button for starting the selected program and a display. The control units comprise an electronic micro controller which in response to the operation of said push-button causes the visualization of the duration and the frequency of the selected program, and in response to a single operation of the start push-button causes the immediate start of the selected watering program, while the operation of the start push-button for a variable number of times programs the delayed start of the selected program.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2015
    Assignee: CLABER S.P.A
    Inventors: Andrea Brundisini, Gaetano Franchini, Roberto De Biasi
  • Patent number: 9032998
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: DIG Corporation
    Inventor: Mike O'Brien
  • Patent number: 8981946
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: The Toro Company
    Inventors: Thomas H. Runge, Jason Lester Hill, James Zimmerman
  • Patent number: 8979430
    Abstract: A moisture responsive device is described having a moisture responsive element comprising at least a moisture responsive formation of a first material in association with a less moisture responsive formation of a second material, in that the first material has a greater tendency to absorb moisture and to increase in volume as a result than the second material, the two formations being so mechanically arranged together that such swelling tends to cause mechanical deformation of the moisture responsive element; and an actuation member optionally of flexibly resilient material in mechanical association with the moisture responsive element so that distortion of the moisture responsive element in the presence of moisture tends to mechanically distort the actuation member and thereby cause the actuation member to change between at least a first functional state and a second functional state. A method of use, especially in irrigation control, is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Inventor: Michael E. Brown
  • Patent number: 8979431
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Canplas Industries Ltd.
    Inventor: Jeff Bayley
  • Publication number: 20140230917
    Abstract: A moisture sensing water system comprising at least one moisture sensor coupled with at least one wheel coupled with a water conveyance system, the at least one moisture sensor pierces the ground during each rotation of the at least one wheel and performs a moisture sensing. A moisture information converter receives the moisture sensing information and converts the moisture sensing information into a signal indicative of the moisture content of the ground. A moisture content provider provides the signal indicative of the moisture content of the ground in a user accessible format to automatically control the amount of water disseminated by the moisture sensing watering system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2013
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Applicant: TRIMBLE NAVIGATION LIMITED
    Inventor: Robert James Lindores
  • Patent number: 8733155
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: The Toro Company
    Inventors: Jason Lester Hill, Thomas H. Runge, Alex Korol
  • Patent number: 8714181
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignees: Netafim, Ltd., Yissum Research Development Company of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem
    Inventors: Uri Shani, Abraham Schweitzer
  • Patent number: 8695407
    Abstract: A microtensiometer sensor includes a substrate layer fluidly coupled to an enclosed reservoir. A porous membrane is disposed on a surface of the substrate layer. The membrane defines a liquid side fluidly coupled to the reservoir and a vapor side fluidly coupled to a vapor interface. The porous membrane includes a plurality of through holes fluidly coupling the liquid reservoir to the vapor interface, and a nanoporous filler material disposed within the plurality of through holes. The filler material includes a plurality of open pores having a maximum diameter in the range of 0.2 to 200 nanometers. In one embodiment, the microtensiometer sensor includes a molecular membrane disposed adjacent to the vapor side of the porous membrane. In one example, the molecular membrane is formed of a highly crystalline polytetrafluoroethylene polymer having a microstructure characterized by nodes interconnected by fibrils.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Cornell University
    Inventors: Abraham D. Stroock, Alan N. Lakso, Vinay Pagay, Bojan Ilic, Meredith Metzler
  • Patent number: 8671969
    Abstract: Moisture sensor devices and methods are disclosed herein. One embodiment includes an integrated moisture sensor and controller to be placed in soil comprising a controller circuit for controlling a switch; a sensor circuit comprising a probe and adapted to provide a soil moisture level; and a memory coupled to the controller circuit. The controller, sensor circuits, and the memory integrated into a single device positioned within the soil; the switch coupled to the controller circuit and to be coupled to a control line of an irrigation controller between the controller and a valve, the control line to carry a power signal from the controller to the valve; the controller circuit is adapted to cause interruption of irrigation based on the moisture level of the soil and a soil moisture threshold; the memory adapted to store data of the soil moisture threshold level and the moisture level of the soil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Rain Bird Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel D. Dresselhaus, Kevin G. O'Brien
  • Patent number: 8660705
    Abstract: A soil moisture based irrigation system includes a stand alone irrigation controller with a seasonal adjust feature and a stand alone weather station including at least one soil moisture sensor. The soil moisture based irrigation system further includes a stand alone soil moisture control unit operatively connected to the irrigation controller and the soil moisture sensor. The soil moisture control unit includes programming configured to calculate an estimated soil moisture requirement value using a signal from the soil moisture sensor and to automatically modify a watering schedule of the irrigation controller through the seasonal adjust feature based on the estimated soil moisture requirement value to thereby conserve water while maintaining plant health.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: Hunter Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter J. Woytowitz, Jeffery J. Kremicki, LaMonte D. Porter
  • Patent number: 8649910
    Abstract: Methods and devices are provided to automatically determine plant water requirements and adjust irrigation in order to make efficient use of water. In one implementation an irrigation control unit comprises at least one input configured to be coupled to and receive signals from a temperature sensor, the signals corresponding to current values of temperature. The unit also includes a memory storing historical values of a plurality of variables and a processor coupled to the at least one input and the memory. The processor is configured to determine plant water requirements at least in part using the historical values of the plurality of variables and the current values of the temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: Rain Bird Corporation
    Inventors: Harvey J. Nickerson, John R. German
  • Patent number: 8615329
    Abstract: A control system is disclosed for regulating the flow of a liquid from a liquid provider through a liquid distribution system. The distribution system has a major liquid distribution channel connected to a plurality of minor liquid distribution channels providing the liquid to a multiplicity of users. A plurality of controllable user valves are interposed in the multiplicity of user channels. A liquid monitor senses a liquid flow characteristic within the liquid distribution channel. A user control changes selective controllable user valves for restoring a desired liquid flow characteristic within the liquid distribution channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2013
    Assignee: Water Optimizer LLC
    Inventor: Thomas M. O'Connor
  • Publication number: 20130255783
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2012
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Applicant: The Toro Company
    Inventors: Thomas H. Runge, Jason Lester Hill, James Zimmerman
  • Patent number: 8504210
    Abstract: Several embodiments provide wireless extensions to an irrigation controller system and related methods of use, as well as other improvements to irrigation control equipment. In one implementation, an irrigation control system includes a transmitter unit including a controller and having a connector to be coupled to an irrigation controller having station actuation output connectors. The controller is configured to receive an indication that the irrigation controller has activated an irrigation station, and is also configured to cause the transmitter unit to transmit a wireless activation signal responsive to the indication. A receiver unit is coupled to an actuator coupled to an actuatable device, such as an irrigation valve, the actuator configured to actuate the irrigation valve to control the flow of water therethrough. The receiver unit receives the wireless activation signal and in response, causes the actuator to actuate the actuatable device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Rain Bird Corporation
    Inventors: Mark M. Ensworth, Barbara E. Booth, Dean C. Thornton, David G. Fern, Randall A. Hern, Malcolm N. Napier
  • Patent number: 8443822
    Abstract: A method for detecting a breach in an irrigation line (32) of an irrigation system (10) includes comparing a fluid condition at a first point along the irrigation line (32) with the fluid condition at a second point located at an irrigation unit (20) to determine whether a disparity of at least a predetermined percentage in the fluid conditions exists. The fluid condition can include a measurement of irrigation fluid pressure, quantity of irrigation fluid (19), rate of flow of the irrigation fluid (19), voltage and/or electrical current through the irrigation fluid (19). The method can include selectively monitoring the fluid condition at the irrigation unit (20) over time using a main control system (22). In another embodiment, the method includes comparing the fluid condition at the first point along the irrigation line (32) with the fluid condition at each of a plurality of second points.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Inventor: Norman Ivans