초록 ▼

An electrically operated valve controls the flow of irrigation water. A clock or computer controls the time of day and a programmed watering schedule. The clock signal is serially connected through differential relative humidity (RH) and temperature sensitive circuits. These circuits sense the diffe

An electrically operated valve controls the flow of irrigation water. A clock or computer controls the time of day and a programmed watering schedule. The clock signal is serially connected through differential relative humidity (RH) and temperature sensitive circuits. These circuits sense the difference between the surrounding RH and above ground temperature and set points derived from meterological "Normals, Means, and Extremes" weather data. When the difference between the set point readings and the surrounding RH or temperature becomes zero and beyond, solenoid activation is prevented during and sometimes before inappropriate weather and evapotranspiration conditions, such as rain, snow, or freeze.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A differential relative humidity and temperature responsive device for controlling exterior water sprinklers, which comprise solenoids connected to sprinkler heads, said device comprising:Means for setting a humidity threshold at a humidity value based on the approximate

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A differential relative humidity and temperature responsive device for controlling exterior water sprinklers, which comprise solenoids connected to sprinkler heads, said device comprising:Means for setting a humidity threshold at a humidity value based on the approximate average of the highest humidity measurements taken periodically during a selected time period;Means for setting a temperature threshold at a temperature value;An electrical load;Means for controlling energy to said load including an electrical controller connected at its output to said electrical load;Means for sensing ambient temperature and providing a temperature value;Means for sensing ambient humidity and providing a humidity value; andComparator means connected at the input to said controller for receiving the output of said humidity and temperature threshold setting means and comparing the humidity and temperature values with the output values of said temperature and humidity sensing means so as to open or close said energy controlling means to said load;Whereby when the ambient humidity exceeds the pre-set threshold humidity value or the ambient temperature is less than the pre-set threshold temperature value, no energy is passed by the controller to said load; andWherein said electrical load comprises at least one solenoid in cooperative arrangement with at least one of the exterior water sprinklers so as to open or close water flow to the sprinkler heads.