초록 ▼

Solar powered programmable valves and methods of programming and operation 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

Solar powered programmable valves and methods of programming and operation 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. The valve is connected to one or more toggle valves in a serial fashion for controlling one or more devices, allowing a single controller to provide water to more than one zone. 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" read 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.]1. A method for providing on-off control of a fluid system having at least two outlets using a single electrical signal, comprising:(a) supplying the electrical signal to an electrically actuated control valve(a1) to cause the control valve to block a fluid from an inlet o

[ What is claimed is:] [1.]1. A method for providing on-off control of a fluid system having at least two outlets using a single electrical signal, comprising:(a) supplying the electrical signal to an electrically actuated control valve(a1) to cause the control valve to block a fluid from an inlet of a hydraulically actuated toggle valve for at least a predetermined time, to thereby cause the toggle valve to place the inlet in fluid communication with a first outlet of the toggle valve, and then(a2) to cause the control valve to supply a fluid to the inlet of the toggle valve for a first period of time, to thereby cause the toggle valve to supply the fluid at the first outlet for the first period of time; and(b) supplying the electrical signal to the control valve(b1) to cause the control valve to block the fluid from the inlet of the toggle valve for less than the predetermined time, to thereby cause the toggle valve to place the inlet in fluid communication with a second outlet of the toggle valve, and then(b2) to cause the control valve to supply the fluid to the inlet of the toggle valve for a second period of time, to thereby cause the toggle valve to supply the fluid at the second outlet for the second period of time.