The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Oct. 05, 1999
Filed:
Jul. 25, 1997
Oded E Sturman, Woodland Park, CO (US);
Benjamin Grill, Northridge, CA (US);
Other;
Abstract
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.