Autonomous irrigation system
US11330772B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 6, 2018 |
| Grant date | May 17, 2022 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 24, 2038 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01N19/10
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
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.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.