Modular and expandable irrigation controller

US8265797B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Rain Bird Corporation · US

Inventors

• Harvey J. Nickerson · San Diego, US
• Russel D. Leatherman · Albion, US
• Ken R. Venegas · San Diego, US
• Roger S. Neitzel · Escondido, US
• Susan E. Basch · San Diego, US
• Andrew M. Nguyen · San Diego, US
• James R. Musselman · Marion, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Dec 15, 2009
• Grant date: Sep 11, 2012
• Expiry date: Dec 15, 2029

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G05B2219/2625
• WIPO field: Control
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

Described herein are several embodiments relating to modular irrigation controllers. In many implementations, the irrigation controllers are modular in that various functional components of the irrigation controller are implemented in removable modules that when inserted into position within the controller, expand the capabilities of the controller. Also described are various different types of expansion modules that may be coupled to the modular controller, having as variety of functions and features, as well as related methods of use and configuration of these modules in the controller. In some embodiments, authentication procedures are provided for one or both of a modular irrigation controller and an expansion module to determine if they are authorized to operate together.