Patent · US Expired

Automatic control for an adjustable member

US4180087A · kind A · utility

4Cited by
6References
13Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateJul 21, 1977
Grant dateDec 25, 1979
Priority date
Expiry dateJul 21, 1997

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
  • CPC primaryY10T137/86389
  • WIPO fieldOther special machines
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

A switching arrangement for the control of an adjustable member such as a valve includes a light sensitive switch. Detection of a particular light value enables a frequency divider to transmit an opening pulse to a valve control circuit a predetermined delay period after the detection of such light value. The frequency of an output signal of a pulse generator is varied in response to the opening pulse and the frequency divider transmits a closing pulse to the control circuit after a second predetermined time period of different duration from the delay period. In one disclosed embodiment, control of the frequency divider is responsive to moisture content of soil as well as ambient light level for application in automatic sprinkler systems.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.