Irrigation controller with integral evapotranspiration unit
US8548632B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 21, 2011 |
| Grant date | Oct 1, 2013 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 21, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02A40/10
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An irrigation controller includes a first processor and a memory for storing programming executable by the first processor. The irrigation controller further includes circuitry that enables a communication link that allows direct communication between the first processor and a sensor unit containing a second processor and a plurality of environmental sensors each capable of generating an actual component of ET data. At least one manually actuable control is operably connected to the first processor for inputting further ET-related information selected from the group consisting of plant type, soil condition, growth stage and sprinkler precipitation rate. The irrigation controller further includes programming that enables the first processor to calculate optimum watering schedules based upon the actual ET data and the ET-related information including increases and decreases in the frequency and/or length of ON times for at least one station.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.