Wireless extension to an irrigation control system and related methods

US8185248B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Rain Bird Corporation · US

Inventors

• Mark M. Ensworth · Orange, US
• Barbara E. Booth · Tucson, US
• Dean C. Thornton · South Lake Tahoe, US
• David G. Fern · Santee, US
• Randall A. Hern · San Diego, US
• Malcolm N. Napier · San Diego, US

Key dates

• Filing date: May 12, 2009
• Grant date: May 22, 2012
• Expiry date: May 12, 2029

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y10T137/189
• WIPO field: Control
• WIPO sector: Instruments

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.