초록 ▼

Solar powered programmable valves and methods of programming thereof are disclosed. A controller for the valves is provided having one or more solar cells for charging a large capacitor or capacitors upon illumination, which provide energy storage for the continuous powering of a very low current si

Solar powered programmable valves and methods of programming thereof are disclosed. A controller for the valves is provided having one or more solar cells for charging a large capacitor or capacitors upon illumination, which provide energy storage for the continuous powering of a very low current single chip computer controller and for providing actuating power to a latching solenoid of a pilot operated valve. Programming of the microcontroller to cause the valve to operate at subsequent times as desired is accomplished by magnetically actuating, through the sealed controller case, "yes" and "no" reed switches in response to simple prompts presented on a display. The use of solar power eliminates the need for batteries, and together with the non-intrusive programming, allows the controller to be totally sealed and free of control switches, battery cases and the like which can allow moisture entry and premature failure of the controller. Typical methods of programming the controller are disclosed. Alternate embodiments including an embodiment for multiple valve control are disclosed.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A method of user programming a solar powered sprinkler system comprising:(a) providing a sprinkler system controller having a display and being responsive to first and second magnetically sensitive switches, said sprinkler system controller, display, and magnetically sens

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A method of user programming a solar powered sprinkler system comprising:(a) providing a sprinkler system controller having a display and being responsive to first and second magnetically sensitive switches, said sprinkler system controller, display, and magnetically sensitive switches being housed within an enclosure that is sealed against the intrusion of moisture;(b) prompting messages on the display to operate the first and second magnetically sensitive switches, said switches being operated external to the enclosure; and,(c) programming the sprinkler system controller for watering time of day and watering duration using the operation of the magnetically sensitive switches responsive to the messages.