United States Patent [19] [u] Patent Number: 5,021,939
Pulgiese [45] Date of Patent: Jun. 4, 1991
[54] COMPUTERIZED SPRINKLER CONTROL SYSTEM
[75] Inventor: Rocco J. Pulgiese, Lincoln Park, Mich.
[73] Assignee: Demaco Mfg. Group, Ltd., Dearborn, Mich.
[21] Appl. No.: 325,133
[22] Filed: Mar. 16,1989
[51] Int. CI.' G05B 11/01; B05B 12/04
[52] U.S. CI 364/143; 137/624.2;
137/624.11; 239/67; 239/69
[58] Field of Search 364/143, 144, 140, 145,
364/186, 420; 239/61, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71; 137/624.2, 624.12, 783, 624.11; 47/1 R, 2,
DIG. 6
[56] References Cited
U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
Re. 31,023 9/1982 Hall, III 47/1 R
4,209,131 6/1980 Barash et al 364/144
4,646,224 2/1987 Ransburg et al 364/143
4,852,802 8/1989 Iggulden et al 239/64
4,875,498 10/1989 Andrews et al 137/78.3
4,892,113 1/1990 Fattahi 137/78.3
4,895,303 1/1990 Freyvogel 239/61
Primary Examiner—Jerry Smith
A computer-controlled irrigation system (10) comprising a computer (22), a number of remote valves (18), and a plurality of reference sensors (28) installed in the area to be irrigated. The number of reference sensors (28) is less than the number of remote valves (18). The computer (22) has a keyboard for providing a set of initialization data (24) supplied by an operator and means for providing a set of operational data (26) for each of the reference sensors (28). Each reference sensor (28) generates a signal indicating actual moisture level for processing by the computer (22), the computer (22) controlling the plurality of remote valves (18) so that the irrigating fluid (12) is delivered to sprinkler heads (20) associated with the remote valves (18) in amounts sufficient to bring the actual moisture level up to a desired moisture level. Delivery of the irrigating fluid (12) is controlled by the computer (22) based on signals indicating actual moisture levels from the reference sensors (28) without operator intervention. A controlled flow of irrigating fluid (12) is managed by the computer (22) to each of the sprinkler heads (20), in amounts dependent on terrain factors set by the operator, and independent of weather conditions.
11 Claims, 14 Drawing Sheets
