Sensor device for use in controlling irrigation
US9500770B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 15, 2014 |
| Grant date | Nov 22, 2016 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 23, 2034 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01K13/00
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Methods and apparatus are provided herein for sensing rain fall for use in irrigation control. In one embodiment, a wireless rain sensor comprises a housing at least partially covering a first sensor, a controller and a wireless transmitter. The first sensor comprises a moisture absorptive material located to be contacted by rain fall and configured to expand in response to the contact with the rain fall and contract in response to an absence of the rain fall. The controller is coupled to the first sensor and configured to output signals corresponding to a variable amount of expansion and contraction of the moisture absorptive material. The wireless transmitter is configured to transmit wireless signals, at least one wireless signal comprising data corresponding to the variable amount of expansion and contraction of the moisture absorptive material.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.