초록 ▼

An environmental sensor system that communicates sensor data to a receiving unit using wireless means such as a radio frequency signal. The receiving unit interfaces with a controllable system, possibly affecting its operation. This arrangement allows one or more sensor and transmitter units to be r

An environmental sensor system that communicates sensor data to a receiving unit using wireless means such as a radio frequency signal. The receiving unit interfaces with a controllable system, possibly affecting its operation. This arrangement allows one or more sensor and transmitter units to be remotely mounted at a distance from the receiver, without regard to installation complications that often result with a hardwired type units. In the preferred embodiment, an irrigation system is interfaced wirelessly with an environmental sensor such as a rain sensor. The rain sensor is contemplated such that in the event of sufficient rainfall, a wireless signal is transmitted to the receiver unit, which in turn interfaces with an irrigation controller resulting in the cessation of watering cycles until the sensor system provides another wireless directive to resume watering.

대표청구항 ▼

1. An atmospheric precipitation sensor system for deactivating the timed preprogrammed watering cycle of an irrigation system, regardless of the level of moisture in the soil, said irrigation system including a controller responsive to control information for affecting the operation of the associate

1. An atmospheric precipitation sensor system for deactivating the timed preprogrammed watering cycle of an irrigation system, regardless of the level of moisture in the soil, said irrigation system including a controller responsive to control information for affecting the operation of the associated irrigation system, said atmospheric sensor system comprising:a nonelectrical sensor designed for sensing atmospheric precipitation, said sensor being mounted above ground, said sensor including hygroscopic material that expands upon contact with moisture from water vapor, rain, snow, or ice; a radio frequency, infrared, or ultrasonic transmitter for wirelessly transmitting signals; an electrical switch connected mechanically to said hygroscopic material, and electrically to said transmitter, said switch being responsive to said hygroscopic material expanding a given amount indicative of a predetermined level of atmospheric precipitation, for enabling said transmitter to transmit signals indicative of said predetermined level of atmospheric precipitation being attained; a remotely located receiver receptive of said wireless signals from said transmitter, for converting the signals into electrical control information, for application to said controller of said irrigation system for affecting timed preprogrammed operation of said irrigation system, said controller being responsive to the presence of said electrical control information for terminating any present or programmed future operation of said irrigation system, said controller being further responsive to the termination of said electrical control information for resuming timed preprogrammed operation of said irrigation system.