Wireless irrigation control

US8868246B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Rain Bird Corporation · US

Inventors

• Dean C. Thornton · South Lake Tahoe, US
• Randall A. Hern · San Diego, US
• Malcolm N. Napier · San Diego, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jul 2, 2013
• Grant date: Oct 21, 2014
• Expiry date: Jul 2, 2033

Classification

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

Abstract

Several embodiments provide wireless irrigation control and related methods. In one implementation, an irrigation control system includes a transmitter unit including a controller and a connector to be coupled to an irrigation controller having station actuation output connectors. The controller is can receive an indication that the irrigation controller has activated an irrigation station, and can 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. In some implementations, the receiver unit includes a capacitor charging circuit and battery to power the receiver unit and drive and control a latching solenoid.