U.S. patent number 3,726,477 [Application Number 05/149,224] was granted by the patent office on 1973-04-10 for automated irrigation system.
Invention is credited to Jonas M. Shapiro.
United States Patent |
3,726,477 |
Shapiro |
April 10, 1973 |
AUTOMATED IRRIGATION SYSTEM
Abstract
A radio transmitter transmits coded radio signals at frequencies
within the citizen's band. Each of a plurality of radio receivers
comprises a decoder for decoding the coded radio signals which
responds to a frequency specified for the particular radio receiver
and a timer connected to the decoder for providing timing for a
timing period initiated by the decoded radio signals. A motor
actuator electrically connected to the timer of each radio receiver
is coupled to the corresponding hydraulic valve actuator of one of
a group of sprinkler heads comprising a plurality of sprinkler
heads and controls the valve actuator to control the supply of
water to the sprinkler heads of the group during the timing
period.
Inventors: |
Shapiro; Jonas M. (Stamford,
CT) |
Family
ID: |
22529301 |
Appl.
No.: |
05/149,224 |
Filed: |
June 2, 1971 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
239/70 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A01G
25/16 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
A01G
25/16 (20060101); A01g 027/00 () |
Field of
Search: |
;239/70 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: King; Lloyd L.
Claims
I claim:
1. An automated irrigation system comprising
radio transmitting means for transmitting coded radio signals at
frequencies within the citizen's band;
a plurality of radio receiving means for receiving the coded radio
signals from the radio transmitting means, each of the radio
receiving means comprising decoding means for decoding the coded
radio signals, the decoding means of each of the radio receiving
means responding to a frequency and tone specified for the radio
receiving means, and timing means connected to the decoding means
for providing timing control signals in accordance with the decoded
radio signals;
a plurality of groups of valve means each comprising a plurality of
valve means;
a plurality of sprinkler heads each connected to a corresponding
one of the valve means, the valve means supplying water to the
corresponding sprinkler heads; and
actuating means electrically connected to the timing means of each
of the radio receiving means and coupled to the valve means of each
group for operating the valve means to control the supply of water
to the sprinkler heads of the group in accordance with the timing
control signals.
2. An automated irrigation system as claimed in claim 1, wherein
the radio transmitting means comprises clock means for providing
clock signals, timer means electrically connected to the clock
means for determining irrigation time periods from the clock means,
coding means electrically connected to the timer means for coding
the time signals and transmitter means electrically connected to
the coding means for transmitting coded radio time signals
corresponding to the time periods.
3. An automated irrigation system as claimed in claim 1, wherein
each of the radio receiving means comprises receiving means for
receiving the coded radio signals from the radio transmitting
means, decoding means electrically connected to the receiving means
for decoding the coded radio signals, timing means having an input
electrically connected to the decoding means, a first output
electrically connected to the receiver for providing automatic gain
control disabling signals to the receiver and a second output for
providing timing control signals in accordance with the decoded
radio signals, and motor driving means electrically connected to
the second output of the timing means for providing motor control
signals in accordance with the timing control means.
4. An automated irrigation system as claimed in claim 3, wherein
the decoding means includes a tuning fork activated by a received
coded radio signal to produce a signal having a frequency
corresponding to that of the signal, rectifier means coupled to the
tuning fork for rectifying the signal produced by said tuning fork,
and filter means connected to the rectifier means having a passband
for passing the rectified signal if it is in the passband of the
filter.
5. An automated irrigation system as claimed in claim 3, wherein
the timing means comprises a potentiometer and a field effect
transistor timer having a drain electrode connectable to ground
through said potentiometer in a manner whereby when said drain
electrode is grounded said field effect transistor commences timing
in accordance with the adjustment position of the
potentiometer.
6. An automated irrigation system as claimed in claim 3, further
comprising motor-operated switch means, and wherein the actuating
means includes motor means for controlling the valve means and the
switch means, and the timing means comprises a potentiometer and a
field effect transistor timer having a drain electrode connectable
to ground through said potentiometer and said switch means in a
manner whereby when said drain electrode is grounded via said
switch means said field effect transistor commences timing in
accordance with the adjustment position of the potentiometer.
7. An automated irrigation system as claimed in claim 6, wherein
the decoding means includes a tuning fork activated by a received
coded radio signal to produce a signal having a frequency
corresponding to that of the signal, rectifier means coupled to the
tuning fork for rectifying the signal produced by said tuning fork,
and filter means connected to the rectifier means having a passband
for passing the rectified signal if it is in the passband of the
filter, and wherein the actuating means further includes a
semiconductor controlled rectifier for controlling the operation of
the motor.
8. An automated irrigation system as claimed in claim 7, wherein
the motor-operated switch means comprises a detent switch
controlled by the rotation of the motor.
Description
DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an automated irrigation system.
More particularly, the invention relates to an automated irrigation
system utilizing radio controlled electrically connected units.
The principal object of the present invention is to provide a new
and improved automated irrigation system which is simple in
structure and efficient, effective and reliable in operation.
An object of the invention is to provide an automated irrigation
system which may be installed with facility and rapidity, and by
non-professionals.
An object of the invention is to provide an automated irrigation
system which is inexpensive in installation and operation.
An object of the invention is to provide an automated irrigation
system which may operate on batteries instead of field power.
An object of the invention is to provide an automated irrigation
system which utilizes fully transistorized circuitry.
An object of the invention is to provide an automated irrigation
system which is fail safe.
Another object of the invention is to provide an automated
irrigation system which has long life and requires little or no
maintenance.
Another object of the invention is to provide an automated
irrigation system which operates at frequencies in the citizen's
band.
Another object of the invention is to provide an automated
irrigation system which utilizes a field effect transistor as a
timer.
Another object of the invention is to provide an automated
irrigation system which utilizes semiconductor controlled
rectifiers.
Another object of the invention is to provide a device to protect
fragile hydraulic conductors.
Still another object of the invention is to provide a device for
simple and facile installation of hydraulic conductors, and the
facile and simple replacement thereof.
In accordance with the invention, an automated irrigation system
comprises radio transmitting means for transmitting coded radio
signals at frequencies within the citizen's band. A plurality of
radio receiving means receives the coded radio signals from the
radio transmitting means. Each of the radio receiving means
comprises decoding means for decoding the coded radio signals. The
decoding means of each of the radio receiving means responds to a
frequency and tone specified for the radio receiving means. Timing
means connected to the decoding means provides timing control
signals in accordance with the decoded radio signals. A plurality
of groups of valve means each comprises a plurality of valve means.
Each of a plurality of sprinkler heads is connected to a
corresponding one of the valve means. The valve means supply water
to the corresponding sprinkler heads. Actuating means electrically
connected to the timing means of each of the radio receiving means
and coupled to the valve means of each group operates the valve
means to control the supply of water to the sprinkler heads of the
group in accordance with timing control signals.
The radio transmitting means comprises clock means for providing
clock signals, timer means electrically connected to the clock
means for determining irrigation time periods from the clock means,
coding means electrically connected to the timer means for coding
the time signals and transmitter means electrically connected to
the coding means for transmitting coded radio time signals
corresponding to the time periods.
Each of the radio receiving means comprises receiving means for
receiving the coded radio signals from the radio transmitting
means, decoding means electrically connected to the receiving means
for decoding the coded radio signals, timing means having an input
electrically connected to the decoding means, a first output
electrically connected to the receiver for providing automatic gain
control disabling signals to the receiver and a second output for
providing timing control signals in accordance with the decoded
radio signals, and motor driving means electrically connected to
the second output of the timing means for providing motor control
signals in accordance with the timing control means.
The decoding means includes a tuning fork activated by a received
coded radio signal to produce a signal having a frequency
corresponding to that of the signal, rectifier means coupled to the
tuning fork for rectifying the signal produced by said tuning fork,
and filter means connected to the rectifier means having a passband
for passing the rectified signal if it is in the passband of the
filter.
The timing means comprises a potentiometer and a field effect
transistor timer having a drain electrode connectable to ground
through said potentiometer in a manner whereby when the drain
electrode is grounded the field effect transistor commences timing
in accordance with the adjustment position of the
potentiometer.
Motor-operated switch means are provided and the actuating means
includes motor means for controlling the valve means and the switch
means.
The drain electrode of the field effect transistor is connectable
to ground through the potentiometer and the switch means in a
manner whereby when the drain electrode is grounded via the switch
means the field effect transistor commences timing in accordance
with the adjustment position of the potentiometer.
The actuating means further includes a semiconductor controlled
rectifier for controlling the operation of the motor.
The motor-operated switch means comprises a detent switch
controlled by the rotation of the motor.
In accordance with the invention, a sheath for protecting fragile
hydraulic conductors comprises material of hollow cylindrical
configuration surrounding the conductors.
In accordance with the method of the invention for installing
hydraulic conductors, a sheath of material of hollow cylindrical
configuration is installed in the ground and hydraulic conductors
are pulled through the sheath after the installation thereof.
In order that the invention may be readily carried into effect, it
will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings,
wherein:
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an embodiment of the automated
irrigation system of the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an embodiment of the central
transmitter of the automated irrigation system of FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an embodiment of a satellite station
of the automated irrigation system of FIG. 1;
FIG. 4 is a block diagram of an embodiment of part of the hydraulic
system of the automated irrigation system of FIG. 1;
FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of an actuator motor
and a circuit diagram of an embodiment of a timer and motor driver
of a satellite station of the automated irrigation system of FIG.
1;
FIG. 6 is a circuit arrangement of an embodiment of the decoder, a
timer and a motor driver of a satellite station of the automated
irrigation system of FIG. 1;
FIG. 7 is a block diagram of an embodiment of a satellite station
of the automated irrigation system of FIG. 1, including a panel
assembly;
FIG. 8 is a circuit diagram of an embodiment of the panel assembly
of FIG. 7;
FIG. 9 is a block diagram of the part of the hydraulic system shown
in FIG. 4; and
FIG. 10 is a block diagram of another embodiment of the automated
irrigation system of the present invention.
In FIG. 1, in the central timing mode, a central transmitter 11
transmits 11 time spaced identical tone coded radio signals at
frequencies within the citizen's band. The signals transmitted by
the transmitter 11 are of the same radio frequency and tone and
each frequency pulse drives or operates all the satellite stations
12a, 12b, 12c, 12d, 12e, 12f, 12g and 12h. Although eight satellite
stations 12a to 12h are shown, any suitable number of said stations
may be utilized in the system of the invention. The satellite
stations 12a to 12h are strategically positioned to provide for the
irrigation of a large area such as, for example, a golf course. The
satellite stations 12a to 12h receive the radio signals transmitted
by the central transmitter 11. Each satellite station 12a to 12h is
tuned to the same frequency as the others.
A plurality of actuators 13a to 13p are provided. Although two
actuators are shown electrically connected to each satellite
station, any suitable number of actuators may be electrically
connected to each satellite station. In the embodiment of FIG. 1,
actuators 13a and 13b are electrically connected to the satellite
station 12a. Actuators 13c and 13d are electrically connected to
the satellite station 12b. Actuators 13e and 13f are electrically
connected to the satellite station 12c. Actuators 13g and 13h are
electrically connected to the satellite station 12d. Actuators 13i
and 13j are electrically connected to the satellite station 12e.
Actuators 13k and 13l are electrically connected to the satellite
station 12f. Actuators 13m and 13n are electrically connected to
the satellite station 12g. Actuators 13o and 13p are electrically
connected to the satellite station 12h. Each satellite station
moves its corresponding actuators one step per pulse until 11 steps
have been completed.
In the centrally initiated field timing mode, the central
transmitter 11 transmits a single clock initiated coded tone and
radio frequency within the citizen's band. This advances all the
satellite stations 12a to 12h from their home position to the first
of 11 steps. There are no other pulses transmitted by the central
transmitter 11. Each satellite station 12a to 12h then operates and
advances in accordance with its own timing period set in the field
by a potentiometer, as described with reference to FIG. 5. A repeat
code may be initiated by the central transmitter 11 clock after all
the satellite stations 12a to 12h have completed their timing
periods.
In certain instances, satellite stations may be designated to
operate only on the greens and tees of a golf course. Other
satellite stations may operate only on the fairways. This is
accomplished by a variable address from the central transmitter 11.
In this mode, a dual coded tone may be utilized as required, one
tone each to address the greens and tees and another tone to
address the fairways. The irrigation programs may be initiated
manually by presetting of a clock and switch by an operator.
A plurality of sprinkler heads are controlled in operation by each
actuator 13a to 13p via a corresponding valve. Each sprinkler head
is controlled by a valve coupled thereto. Although eleven valves
are shown hydraulically connected through hydraulic control tubes
in a 1-inch sheath to each actuator 13a to 13p, any suitable number
of valves may be connected to each actuator via control tubes in an
appropriate sheath.
A sheath for protecting fragile hydraulic conductors may comprise
any suitable material such as, for example, synthetic or plastic
material of hollow cylindrical configuration surrounding the
conductors. In the method of the invention for installing hydraulic
conductors, a sheath of synthetic material of hollow cylindrical
configuration is installed in the ground. Hydraulic conductors are
pulled through the sheath after its installation in the ground.
This provides a simple device for installing the hydraulic
conductors in the sheath and also permits the simple and facile
replacement, in the field, of the hydraulic conductors.
In the embodiment of FIG. 1, valves 14aa to 14ak are hydraulically
connected to the actuator 13a and valves 14am to 14aw are
hydraulically connected to the actuator 13b. Valves 14ba to 14bk
are hydraulically connected to the actuator 13c and valves 14bm to
14bw are hydraulically connected to the actuator 13d. Valves 14ca
to 14ck are hydraulically connected to the actuator 13e and valves
14cm to 14cw are hydraulically connected to the actuator 13f.
Valves 14da to 14dk are hydraulically connected to the actuator 13g
and valves 14dm to 14dw are hydraulically connected to the actuator
13h.
Valves 14ea to 14ek are hydraulically connected to the actuator 13i
and valves 14em to 14ew are hydraulically connected to the actuator
13j. Valves 14fa to 14fk are hydraulically connected to the
actuator 13k and valves 14fm to 14fw are hydraulically connected to
the actuator 13l. Valves 14ga to 14gk are hydraulically connected
to the actuator 13m and valves 14gm to 14gw are hydraulically
connected to the actuator 13n. Valves 14ha to 14hk are
hydraulically connected to the actuator 13o and valves 14hm to 14hw
are hydraulically connected to the actuator 13p.
The central transmitter 11 transmits tone coded initiating signals
to the satellite stations 12a to 12h to start the field timing
operation of the corresponding sprinkler heads for preset periods
of time, as described with reference to FIG. 5. The time periods
may be determined manually or by a clock at the central transmitter
11 in the central timing mode or by a field satellite station
program in the field timing mode via a potentiometer, as described
with reference to FIG. 5. When a satellite station 12a to 12h
receives a radio signal of a frequency to which it is tuned from
the central transmitter 11, the satellite station is actuated. When
a satellite station 12a to 12h is actuated, it actuates the motors
electrically connected thereto and drives or operates the actuators
which operate the associated hydraulic valves through control
tubes. The valves supply water to the associated sprinkler heads to
irrigate the area of the sprinkler heads for the predetermined
period of time set in a potentiometer, as described with reference
to FIG. 5.
FIG. 2 illustrates an embodiment of the central transmitter 11 of
the automated irrigation system of the invention. In the central
transmitter, a clock 15, which may comprise any suitable source of
time or clock signals, provides time signals. The clock 15 provides
preset signals on a daily and weekly basis. A timer 16 has an input
connected to the output of the clock 15 and provides the timing
signals for the operation of the sprinkler heads. The timer 16 may
comprise a manually controlled timing mechanism or a recorded
program indicating periods of time for the operation of the various
sprinkler heads. After the clock signals initiate the operation,
the timer 16 controls how long after such initiation the time
period extends. A taped program may be utilized as a 24-hour
clock.
A tone coder 17 has an input connected to the output of the timer
16. The tone coder 17 may comprise any suitable coder means for
tone coding the signals of the timer 16 for the sprinkler heads. A
transmitter 18 of any suitable type has an input connected to the
output of the coder 17. The transmitter 18 transmits tone coded
radio signals corresponding to the satellite stations 12a to 12h.
The signals transmitted by the transmitter 18 are in the citizen's
band. One, two or more tones may be utilized if it is desired to
address a separate satellite station, for the greens, tees and
fairways of a golf course, for example.
FIG. 3 shows an embodiment of a satellite station of the irrigation
system of the invention. In FIG. 3, a receiver 19 may comprise any
suitable receiver for radio signals transmitted by the transmitter
18 of the central transmitter 11. A decoder 21 has an input
connected to the output of the receiver 19. The decoder 21 decodes
the tone coded radio signals received from the transmitter 18 and
actuates a timer 22 and a timer 23 if the coded signals are of the
tone and frequency corresponding to the particular satellite
station. The timer 22 has an input connected to the output of the
decoder 21 via a lead 24 and the timer 23 has an input connected to
the output of said decoder via a lead 25.
An output of the timer 22 is connected to an input of the receiver
19 via a lead 26 and an output of the timer 23 is connected to
another input of said receiver via a lead 27. When the timers 22
and 23 are actuated, they produce continuous timing control signals
that AGC disable the receiver 19 for approximately one minute, that
is, one shot. The AGC feedback makes the receiver 19 a one shot
operation. Any accumulated 12 seconds despite interference through
40 seconds of transmission time turns the receiver 19 off. Without
the AGC circuit, the receiver 19 might operate as much as three
times. Another output of the timer 22 is connected to the input of
a motor driver 28 and another output of the timer 23 is connected
to the input of a motor driver 29. Each of the motor drivers 28 and
29, when energized or actuated by the corresponding timer 22 or 23,
amplifies the timing control signal provided by the timer to a
magnitude sufficient to energize or drive an actuator or stepping
motor.
The output of the motor driver 28 is connected to an actuator or
stepping motor 31 and energizes or drives said actuator motor one
step. The output of the motor driver 29 is connected to an actuator
or stepping motor 32 and energizes or drives said actuator motor
one step. The actuator motor 32 is mechanically coupled to a rotary
actuator 33. The actuator motor 32 is mechanically coupled to a
rotary actuator 34.
The actuator 33 is hydraulically coupled to a plurality of valves
35a to 35k via a 1/4 inch polyethylene control tube 30a in a 1-inch
plastic sheath and controls said valves and the supply of water to
corresponding sprinkler heads. The actuator 34 is hydraulically
coupled to a plurality of valves 35m to 35w via a 1/4 inch
polyethylene control tube 30b and controls said valves and the
supply of water to corresponding sprinkler heads. A sprinkler head
is hydraulically coupled to each of the valves 35a to 35k and 35m
to 35w. Each of the valves 35a to 35k and 35m to 35w is in a water
line, as described with reference to FIG. 4.
In the central timing mode, the central transmitter 11 turns the
receivers of the satellite stations 12a to 12h on (FIG. 1). The
receivers 19 turn on the field timers 22 and 23 (FIG. 3). The
timers 22 and 23 (FIG. 3) turn themselves off after going through
eleven steps.
FIG. 4 illustrates the hydraulic system of the automated irrigation
system of the invention. In FIG. 4, water flows at sufficient
pressure through a main water line 36. Each group of sprinkler
heads comprising a plurality of sprinkler heads is hydraulically
connected to the main water line 36 via a corresponding valve. A
sprinkler head 37 is thus hydraulically connected to the main water
line 36 via a valve 38. The valve 38 is connected in a branch line,
conduit, duct or pipe 39, called a swing joint, extending from the
main water line 36. The sprinkler heads, of which only the
sprinkler head 37 is shown, are hydraulically connected to the
branch line 39 through corresponding ones of the valve 38 and 38a,
38b, and so on. Each sprinkler head may comprise any suitable
sprinkler device such as, for example, that described in my
copending patent application Ser. No. 133,028, filed Apr. 12, 1971,
for Remote Controlled Valve for Irrigation Systems, now U.S. Pat.
No. 3,707,991.
A motor driver 41 is electrically connected to an actuator and
motor 42 via a lead 43 and energizes or drives said actuator and
motor, as described with reference to FIG. 4. The actuator and
motor 42 may comprise any suitable electrohydraulic motor
combinations such as, for example, that described in my
aforedescribed copending patent application. The electrohydraulic
motor 42 is hydraulically and mechanically connected to the branch
line 39 via a hydraulic or water line, conduit, duct or pipe 44 and
a petcock 45 through the actuator and then through the valve 38 via
a hydraulic or water line, conduit, duct or pipe 46. The actuator
and motor 42 have a drain 47 for excess water.
The valve 38 comprises any suitable valve for controlling the flow
of water through the branch line 39 and is opened by the actuator
and motor 42 when said actuator and motor are energized to the
position which drives the actuator to feed water via the
appropriate control tube and is closed by said activator and motor
when said actuator and motor are again energized and the motor
steps to the next position to turn on the next valve. When the
valve 38 is open, the sprinkler head 37 operates to spray water
over its allotted area. When the valve 38 is closed, the sprinkler
head 37 is not supplied with water and does not operate. When any
of the valves 38a, 38b, and so on, are open, the corresponding
sprinkler heads 37a, 37b, and so on (not shown in the FIGS.)
operate to spray water over their allotted areas.
FIG. 9 illustrates the same hydraulic system as FIG. 4, except that
it shows the locations of the components relative to each other. In
FIG. 9, a swing joint 47a couples the sprinkler 37 to the branch
line 39.
FIG. 5 shows an embodiment of the actuator and motor 42 and an
embodiment of a timer and motor driver 41 of the irrigation system
of the invention. The motor driver 41 comprises a semiconductor or
silicon controlled rectifier or SCR 48. A drive pulse is supplied
to the firing or control electrode of the silicon controlled
rectifier or SCR 48 via a lead 49 from a timer of the satellite
station (FIG. 3). A 12.0 volt source of DC voltage is connected to
the anode of the SCR 48. The lead 49 is connected to the firing
electrode or trigger of the SCR 48 and a lead 51 is connected to
the cathode of said SCR.
The actuator motor 42 comprises an electric motor 52 connected
between the lead 51 and a ground lead 53. When the circuit 49,51 is
open, as shown in FIG. 5, the SCR 48 energizes the motor 52 via the
lead 51 and said motor moves one step and closes said circuit via a
detent switch 54. When the circuit 49,51 is closed, it
short-circuits and resets the SCR 48 which supplies power to the
motor 52 and carries said motor to the next detent of a detent
wheel 55, mounted on the motor shaft 56, which operates the detent
switch 54. The detent wheel 55 has 12 detents or notches,
equidistantly provided around its periphery. The switch 54 also
resets the SCR 48 by short-circuiting its anode to its cathode.
A detent wheel 57, having one detent or notch in its periphery, is
also mounted on the motor shaft 56. The detent wheel 57 operates a
detent switch 58 which opens and closes a timer circuit 59 via the
ground lead 53 and a circuit ground lead 61. When the detent switch
58 is open, as shown in FIG. 5, the ground leads 53 and 61 are
disconnected and the timer circuit 59 does not produce a timing
control signal. When the detent switch 58 is closed, during the
remainder of the cycle of rotation of the detent wheel 57, the
ground leads 53 and 61 are connected and the timer circuit 59 is
energized and produces a timing control signal for the motor driver
41.
The timer circuit 59 comprises a field effect transistor or FET 62.
The field effect transistor or FET is described, for example, in
the McGraw-Hill Encyclopedia of Science and Technology, Volume 14,
McGraw-Hill Book Company, Inc., 1960, page 38. A capacitor 63 is
connected between the gate electrode of the FET 62 and the ground
lead 61 and a capacitor 64 is connected between the source
electrode of said FET and said ground lead. A resistor 65, a
resistor 66 and a Zener diode 67, for source biasing the FET 62,
are connected in series circuit arrangement between the drain
electrode of the FET 62 and the ground lead 61. A 12.0 volt source
of DC voltage is connected to a common point in the connection
between the resistors 65 and 66.
A relay comprising a relay winding 68 is energized by an output
stage of the timer circuit 59, not shown in FIG. 5, but shown in
FIG. 6. The relay winding 68 controls the operations of relay
contacts 68a and 68b which are opened, as shown in FIG. 5, when the
relay winding 68 is deenergized and closed when said relay winding
is energized. The relay contact 68a is directly connected to the
gate electrode of the FET 62 and the relay contact 68b is connected
to the ground lead 61 via a resistor 69. The circuit drops the
charge in the capacitor 63 and prepares for a new timing cycle
after the motor 52 moves to a new position. When the motor 52
moves, it one shots the relay winding 68 and drops the charge in
the capacitor 63.
A potentiometer comprising three variable resistors 71, 72 and 73
connected in series circuit arrangement, is connected between the
cathode of the Zener diode 67 and the ground lead 61. The
potentiometer 72 is adjusted to determining the operation of the
FET 62 and, therefore, the timing period of the system of the
invention for irrigation. The movable tap of the variable resistor
is directly connected to the drain electrode of the FET 62. The
movable tap of the variable resistor 71 is directly connected to
one end of said variable resistor and to the cathode of the Zener
diode 67. The movable tap of the variable resistor 73 is directly
connected to one end of said variable resistor and to the ground
lead 61. The adjustment or variation of the potentiometer 72
provides variable set drain biasing of the FET 62, thereby
providing a variable timing period for the system.
The timer circuit 59 is electrically connected to the motor driver
41 by suitable circuitry, not shown in FIG. 5, but shown in FIG.
6.
FIG. 6 is a circuit diagram of an embodiment of the decoder, timer
and motor driver of a satellite station of the irrigation system of
the invention. In FIG. 6, the receiver 19 (FIG. 3) receives the
coded signals transmitted by the central transmitter. The output
signal of the receiver 19 is supplied to the input of the decoder
21 (FIG. 3) via a transformer 74 having a primary winding 75
connected to the output of said receiver via leads 76 and 77, and a
secondary winding 78. One end of the secondary winding 78 of the
transformer 74 is connected to a 12.0 volt source of DC voltage via
a lead 79.
A tuning fork 81 has a stem electrically connected to the lead 79.
One of the lines of the circuit is ceramic piezoelectric coupled to
the tuning fork 81 via material 82 connected to the other end of
the secondary winding 78 of the transformer 74 via a resistor 83.
Another of the lines of the circuit is ceramic piezoelectric
coupled to the tuning fork 81 via material 84.
A diode 85 is connected between the lead 79 at the stem of the
tuning fork 81 and the contact 84, with its cathode connected to
the lead 79 and its anode connected to the contact 84. A filter 86
is coupled to the tuning fork 81 via the diode 85 and a diode 87.
The filter 86 is connected to the stem of the tuning fork 81 via
the lead 79 and to the contact 84 via the diode 87. The filter 86
is connected to the anode of the diode 87, and the cathode of said
diode is connected to the contact 84. The diode 85 is interposed
between the diode 87 and the tuning fork 81.
The filter 86 comprises a pair of parallel-connected capacitors 88
and 89 and a pair of series-connected resistors 91 and 92,
connected in a known manner to function as a .pi. and T type
filter. The capacitor 88 is thus connected between the lead 79 and
a common point in the connection between the diode 87 and the
resistor 91. The capacitor 89 is connected between the lead 79 and
a common point in the connection between the resistors 91 and 92.
The resistor 92 is connected to the base electrode of a transistor
93. A 12.0 volt source of DC voltage is connected to the lead 79
and to the emitter electrode of the transistor 93 and to a common
point in the connection between the resistor 92 and the transistor
93 via a resistor 94.
The signal received by the receiver 19 activates the tuning fork 81
to produce a signal having a frequency corresponding to that of the
signal. The signal produced by the tuning fork 81 is rectified by
the diodes 85 and 87. The rectified DC signal is then filtered by
the filter 86 which passes only DC. If the signal produced by the
receiver is in the passband of the tuning fork 81, it is rectified
and filtered and is supplied to the base electrode of the
transistor 93 as a DC signal. The collector electrode of the
transistor 93 is connected to a point at ground potential via a
resistor 95. The signal at the collector electrode of the
transistor 93 is fed to the gate electrode of an FET of a timer
circuit.
The timer 23 and motor driver 29 comprise a timer circuit 96, a
motor driver circuit 97 and an AGC state 98. The timer circuit 96
comprises a field effect transistor or FET 99. The signal at the
collector electrode of the transistor 93 is fed to the gate
electrode of the FET 99. The gate electrode of the FET 99 is
connected to the collector electrode of the transistor 93 via a
resistor 101. A capacitor 102 is connected between the gate
electrode of the FET 99 and a ground lead 103. A capacitor 104 is
connected between the drain electrode of the FET 99 and the ground
lead 103. A resistor 105 is connected between the drain electrode
of the FET 99 and the ground lead 103.
The receiver 19 has an output terminal connected to the gate
electrode of a field effect transistor or FET 106 via a pair of
series-connected resistors 107 and 108 in a lead 109 and supplies a
DC regulated output to said FET. A 12.0 volt source of DC voltage
is connected to the source electrode of the FET 106 via a voltage
lead 111 and a resistor 112. The source electrode of the FET 106 is
connected to the base electrode of a transistor 113 via a resistor
114. The source electrode of the FET 99 is connected to the source
electrode of the FET 106 via a lead 115. The drain electrode of the
FET 99 is connected to the base electrode of the transistor 113 via
a resistor 116 and a capacitor 117 connected in series circuit
arrangement, with a common point in the connection between said
resistor and said capacitor being connected to the voltage lead
111.
A capacitor 118 is connected at one plate to the gate electrode of
the FET 106 and a capacitor 119 is connected at one plate to the
drain electrode of the FET 106. The drain electrode of the FET 106
is connected to a terminal 0. The other plate of each of the
capacitors 118 and 119 is connected in common with the other plate
of the other. A relay has a relay winding 121 which is connected at
one end to a point at ground potential and at the other end to the
output of an SCR via a lead 122 and to the AGC stage 98 via the
lead 122 and a lead 122a. The relay winding 121 controls the
operation of relay contacts 121a and 121b. The relay contact 121a
is connected to the gate electrode of the FET 106 and the relay
contact 121b is connected to the common plate connection of the
capacitors 118 and 119 via a resistor 123. When the relay winding
121 is energized, it closes the relay contacts 121a and 121b to
close the circuit between them. This discharges the capacitor 118.
When the relay winding 121 is deenergized, it opens the relay
contacts 121a and 121b to open the circuit between them as shown in
FIG. 6.
A potentiometer comprises a resistor 124 connected in series
circuit arrangement with a variable resistor 125 between the lead
111 and a terminal Q. A Zener diode 126 is connected between a
common point in the connection between the resistor 124 and the
variable resistor 125 and a terminal P. The variable resistor 125
has a movable tap connected to the cathode of the Zener diode 126
and the common point between said variable resistor and the
resistor 124. A variable resistor 127 is connected between the
common plate connection of the capacitors 118 and 119 and the anode
of the Zener diode 126 and a terminal X. The variable resistor 127
has a movable tap connected to the anode of the Zener diode 126 and
the common plate connection of the capacitors 118 and 119. This
circuit functions as a regulated drain variable time set biasing
arrangement, as in FIG. 5.
The emitter electrode of the transistor 113 is directly connected
to the lead 111. The collector electrode of the transistor 113 is
connected to the control or firing electrode of a semiconductor
controlled rectifier, silicon controlled rectifier SCR 128 of the
motor driver circuit 97 via a resistor 129. The output of the SCR
128 is connected to the relay winding 121 via the lead 122. A
terminal H is connected to a common point in the connection between
the resistor 129 and the control electrode of the SCR 128 via a
resistor 131. The FET 99 delays or integrates the radio signal for
12 seconds and then turns on the transistor 113, which fires the
SCR 128. The radio signal moves out the actuator motor and the FET
106, which functions as the timer, has its drain electrode grounded
and begins timing in accordance with the position of the
potentiometer 125. The remainder of 28 seconds of the 40 second
pulse is disabled in the receiver AGC by the AGC disable circuit
state 98.
The common plate connection of the capacitors 118 and 119 is
connected to the cathode of a semiconductor controlled rectifier,
silicon controlled rectifier or SCR 132 via a lead 133. A terminal
S is connected to the control or firing electrode of the SCR 132
via a resistor 134. A resistor 135 and a capacitor 136 are
connected in parallel between the control electrode and the cathode
of the SCR 132. A capacitor 137 is connected between the anode and
the cathode of the SCR 132. This circuit is operational when the
lead 133 is grounded by the motor actuator (lead 61, FIG. 5). It
then functions as a "Press to Home" device by firing the SCR 28
until it passes through all the detents (FIG. 5) and causes the
timer to open along with the SCR 132.
A resistor 138 and a capacitor 139 are connected in parallel
between the control electrode and the cathode of the SCR 128. The
anode of the SCR 132 is connected to the cathode of the SCR 128 via
a lead 141, a resistor 142 connected in the lead and a terminal T.
This circuit operates by completing the path to ground via the
resistor 131, the resistor 138, the resistor 142, the SCR 132 and
the lead 133. In this way, positive bias is applied to the SCR 128
which fires said SCR and sends it home. That is, it breaks the
ground return of the SCR 132 in the home position. A capacitor 143
is connected between the anode and the cathode of the SCR 128. A
reverse voltage clipping diode 144 is connected between the cathode
of the SCR 128 and a point at ground potential. An output terminal
N of the motor driver circuit 97 is connected to the cathode of the
SCR 128 and to a common point in the connection between the
capacitor 143 and the diode 144.
The AGC stage 98 comprises a transistor 145 and a transistor 146.
The lead 122a is connected to the base electrode of the transistor
145 via a resistor 147. The emitter electrode of the transistor 145
is connected to a point at ground potential. The base electrode and
emitter electrode of the transistor 145 are connected to each other
via a resistor 148. The collector electrode of the transistor 145
is connected to the base electrode of the transistor 146 via a pair
of resistors 149 and 151 connected in series.
A 12.0 volt source of DC voltage is directly connected to the
emitter electrode of the transistor 146 and to a common point in
the connection between the resistors 149 and 151 via a resistor
152. The common point in the connection between the resistors 149
and 151 is connected to a point at ground potential via a capacitor
153. The collector electrode of the transistor 146 is connected to
an output terminal V via a resistor 154. AGC kill signals are
provided at the output terminal V and supplied from said terminal
to the receiver terminal V when the SCR 128 fires and are delayed 1
minute due to the time constant of the RC circuit 152, 153. When
the SCR 128 fires, the receiver 19 is disabled or killed, so that
the continuing transmitted signal will not cause double firing.
This creates a one shot receiver output effect.
FIG. 7 illustrates the panel assembly of a satellite station of the
irrigation system of the invention and FIG. 8 is a circuit diagram
of an embodiment of the panel assembly of FIG. 7. In the satellite
station of FIG. 7, the timer is manually controlled by a panel
assembly 155.
In FIG. 7, the panel assembly 155 has a first plurality of jack
connections J2 comprising nine jacks, a second plurality of jack
connections J3 comprising four jacks, and a third plurality of four
jack plugs P1. The jack plugs P1 may be connected to a battery (not
shown in the FIG.) as a source of field power for the system of the
invention. The timer 96 and motor driver 97 have a plurality of
nine jack plugs P2, each of which is insertable into a
corresponding one of the jacks of the jack connections J2.
Each of the terminals Q, O, X, L, N, S, H and P of the timer 96 and
motor driver 97 is electrically connected to a corresponding one of
the jack plugs P2. These terminals are shown in FIGS. 5 and 6. Two
points G and V (FIGS. 5 and 6) of the receiver 19 are electrically
connected to the timer 96 and motor driver 97, two other points of
said receiver are electrically connected to the decoder 21 and two
other points of said receiver are electrically connected to
corresponding leads from said timer and motor driver to
corresponding ones of the jack plugs P2.
Each of the jack connections J3 is electrically connected to a
corresponding lead from the panel assembly 155 to corresponding
ones of the jack connections J2. One of the jack plugs P1 is
electrically connected to a corresponding lead from the panel
assembly 155 to a corresponding one of the jack connection J2. The
jack connections J3 are connected to the actuator terminal 3.
FIG. 8 illustrates the panel wiring. In FIG. 8, a timing
potentiometer 156 provides a variable timing adjustment for 2 to 30
minutes. The potentiometer 156 comprises a resistor having one end
electrically connected to a jack connection 1 and another
electrically connected to a jack connection 3 and a movable tap
electrically connected to a jack connection 2. A voltmeter 157 has
one terminal electrically connected to a jack connection 9 via a
resistor 158 and another terminal electrically connected to a
manually operable motor advance read and home indicate switch 159
which connects it to either a jack connection 8 or a jack
connection 5 via a diode 161.
The motor advance read and home indicate switch 159 has a switch
arm 159a operable by a pushbutton 159b. One end of the switch arm
159a is connected to the voltmeter 157 and the other end is movable
between contacts 159c and 159d. The contact 159c is connected to
the jack connection 5 via the diode 161 and the contact 159d is
connected to the jack connection 8. A jack plug 4 of the group P1
and a jack connection 4 of the group J1 are electrically connected
to the lead of the jack connection 9 of the group J2 and the
electrical connection from the jack plug 4 of the group P1 is
grounded. A jack connection 2 of the group J1 is electrically
connected to the lead to the jack connection 8 of the group J2 and
a jack connection 1 of the group J1 is electrically connected to
the lead to the jack connection 5 of the group J2. The jack
connections of the group J1 supply the actuator terminal.
An advance switch 162 has a switch arm 162a operable by a
pushbutton 162b. One end of the switch arm 162a is electrically
connected to the jack connection 4 and the other end is movable
between contacts 162c and 162d. The contact 162c is open. The
contact 162d of the switch 162 is electrically connected to a jack
connection 7. A jack connection 3 of the group J1 is electrically
connected to the lead to the jack connection 4, and then to the
terminal H (FIGS. 6 and 7) where it functions to trigger the SCR
128 to advance the motor actuator.
A go home switch 163 has a switch arm 163a operable by a pushbutton
163b. One end of the switch arm 163 is electrically connected to a
jack connection 3 of the group P1 and to the corresponding end of
the switch arm 162a of the switch 162. The other end of the switch
arm 163a is movable between contacts 163c and 163d. The contact
163c is open. The contact 163d is electrically connected to a jack
connection 6.
In the embodiment of FIG. 10, the output of a receiver 164 is
connected to the input of a decoder 165 via a lead 166. The output
of the decoder 165 is connected to the input of a DC amplifier 167
via a lead 168. The output of the DC amplifier 167 is connected to
the input of a 15 second integrator 169 via a lead 171. The output
of the integrator 169 is connected to an input of an isolation
network 172 via a lead 173. The output of the isolation network 172
is connected to an input of a DC amplifier 174 via a lead 175. The
output of the DC amplifier 174 is connected to the control
electrode of an SCR 176 via a lead 177.
A positive DC voltage is applied to the input electrode of the SCR
176 via a lead 178 from a source B+ of positive DC voltage such as,
for example, a battery, and to a motor driver 179 of the system.
The output of the SCR 176 is connected to the input of the motor
driver 179 via a lead 181. The output of the SCR 176 is also
connected to the input of an inverter 182 via a lead 183. The
output of the inverter 182 is connected to the input of an AGC
delay circuit 184 via a lead 185. The output of the AGC delay
circuit 184 is connected to the input of an AGC disable circuit 186
via a lead 187. The output of the AGC disable circuit 186 is
connected to an input of the receiver 164 via a lead 188. An RC
circuit comprising a resistor 189 and a capacitor 191 is connected
to, and controls the operation of, the AGC delay circuit 184.
A field set time control 192 comprises a potentiometer which is
adjustable by an operator to set the timing period of a timer 193
having an input connected to the output of said field set time
control via a lead 194. The potentiometer of the field set time
control 192 determines the timing period in accordance with the
position of its movable tap. Thus, when the movable tap of the
potentiometer is at one end of the resistor, the timing period is 2
minutes. As the movable tap moves toward the other end of the
resistor, the timing period merely increases, until, at the other
end, the timing period is 30 minutes.
The operation of the timer 193 is controlled by a detent wheel 195.
The detent wheel 195, in any position other than that shown in FIG.
10, closes the circuit of the timer 193 by closing a ground lead
196 to a timer lead 197 via a detent switch 198. When the detent
wheel 195 is in the position shown in FIG. 10, the detent switch
198 fits into the single detent of said detent wheel and thus opens
the circuit between the ground lead 196 and the timer lead 197. The
detent wheel 195 is mechanically coupled to and driven by the motor
driver 179. The output of the timer 193 is connected to another
input of the isolation network 172 via a lead 199.
The embodiment of FIG. 10 operates in the manner disclosed with
reference to FIGS. 5 and 6.
While the invention has been described by means of specific
examples and in specific embodiments, I do not wish to be limited
thereto, for obvious modifications will occur to those skilled in
the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the
invention.
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