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`Case: IPR2018-01592
`Patent No.: 9,320,122
`
`EXHIBIT 1029
`
`PRIME WIRE & CABLE, INC.
`
` Petitioner,
`
`v.
`
`CANTIGNY LIGHTING
`CONTROL, LLC.
`
` Patent owner
`
`JASCO PRODUCTS, INC.
`
` Licensee
`
`IN THE UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE
`BEFORE THE PATENT TRIAL AND APPEAL BOARD
`
`)
`)
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`

`

`US006453215B1
`USOO6453215B1
`(10) Patent No.:
`US 6,453,215 B1
`(12) United States Patent
`United States Patent
`(10) Patent No.:
`US 6,453,215 B1
`(12)
`(45) Date of Patent:
`Sep. 17, 2002
`Lavoie
`(45) Date of Patent:
`Sep. 17, 2002
`Lavoie
`
`
`(54) IRRIGATION CONTROLLER
`(54)
`IRRIGATION CONTROLLER
`(76) Inventor: Nathan Lavoie, 192 Old Westford Rd.,
`(76)
`Inventor: Nathan Lavoie, 192 Old Westford Rd.,
`Chelmsford, MA (US) 01824
`Chelmsford, MA (US) 01824
`Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this
`patent is extended or adjusted under 35
`Subject tO any disclaimer, the term of this
`patent is extended or adjusted under 35
`U.S.C. 154(b) by 0 days.
`US.C. 154(b) by 0 days.
`(21) Appl. No.: 09/289,484
`(21) Appl. No.: 09/289,484
`
`*
`)
`c:
`(*)
`
`Notice:
`Notice:
`
`5,479.338 A * 12/1995 Ericksen et al. .............. 700/16
`5,479,338 A * 12/1995 Ericksen et al... 700/16
`5,602,728 A *
`2/1997 Maddenetal. .....0.0.. 700/16
`5,602,728 A * 2/1997 Madden et al. ............... 700/16
`5,839,660 A 11/1998 Morgenstern et al.
`5,839,660 A
`11/1998 Morgensternetal.
`5,853,122 A * 12/1998 Caprio oo... eee 236/44 C
`5,853,122 A * 12/1998 Caprio - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 236/44 C
`5,870,302 A *
`2/1999
`
`5,870,302 A * 2/1999 Oliver ......................... 700/11
`5,908,045 A *
`6/1999 Wallace et al.
`be seeeeeeeee 137/78.3
`6,102,061 A *
`8/2000 Addink 0.0...ee 137/1
`5,908.045 A * 6/1999 Wallace et al. - - - - - - - - - - - - 137/78.3
`6,102,061 A
`8/2000 Addink .......................... 137/1
`* cited by examiner
`* cited by examiner
`Primary Examiner—RameshPatel
`Primary Examiner Ramesh Patel
`(74) ‘Attorney Agent, or Firm—O’Connell Law Firm
`(74) ART, Agent, or Firm-O'Connell Law Firm
`
`An irrigation controller in one embodiment comprising a
`Related U.S. Application Data
`An irrigation controller in one embodiment comprising a
`Related U.S. Application Data
`microprocessor for controlling a plurality of watering Zones
`(60) Provisional application No. 60/081,674, filed on Apr. 14,
`microprocessorfor controlling a plurality of watering zones
`Provisional application No. 60/081,674, filed on Apr. 14,
`(60)
`of an irrigation System, a keyboard for enabling an inputting
`1998.
`of an irrigation system, a keyboard for enabling an inputting
`1998.
`of commands relating to Watering programs, a display for
`(51) Int. Cl." ........................... G05D 7/00; G05D 11/00
`of commandsrelating to watering programs, a display for
`Int. CL? cece G05D 7/00; GOSD 11/00
`(51)
`displaying information relating to watering programs, and
`(52) U.S. Cl. ........................... 7001284; 700/11: 700/14;
`displaying information relating to watering programs, and
`(52) U.S. Ch. ceececccccsseeescssssee 700/284; 700/11; 700/14;
`an EEPROM for retaining information relating to watering
`700/16; 700/19, 700/20; 700/86; 137/78.2;
`an EEPROMforretaining information relating to watering
`700/16; 700/19; 700/20; 700/86; 137/78.2;
`programs and an on/off Status variable even during extended
`137/78.3; 137/624.11; 137/624.12; 137/624.18;
`programsand an on/off status variable even during extended
`137/78.3; 137/624.11; 137/624.12; 137/624.18;
`periods without power. The irrigation controller may employ
`239/63; 239/64; 239/69; 239/70; 239/551
`periods without power. The irrigation controller may employ
`239/63; 239/64; 239/69; 239/70; 239/551
`the EEPROM to retain a germinate watering program
`(58) Field of Search ............................... 7001618, 19,
`the EEPROM to retain a germinate watering program
`(58) Field of Search .......cccsccsesecse 700/16-18, 19,
`wherein everyday watering is triggered automatically and a
`700/20, 83–86, 284, 11–14; 239/63–64,
`wherein everyday watering is triggered automatically and a
`700/20, 83-86, 284, 11-14; 239/63—64,
`multiplicity of watering start times can be selected. The
`70, 69, 542, 67, 99; 137/1-2, 78.2-78.7,
`multiplicity of watering Start times can be selected. The
`70, 69,542, 67,99; 137/1-2, 78.2-78.7,
`irrigation controller may employ an analog precision recti
`624.12, 624.13-18, 624.11, 550-551
`irrigation controller may employ an analog precision recti-
`624.12. 624.13-18. 624.11. 550-551
`fier for detecting how manyvalvesare operational in a given
`,
`,
`,
`fier for detecting how many valves are operational in a given
`s
`s
`s
`watering Zone, and the irrigation controller may also auto
`References Cited
`watering zone, and the irrigation controller may also auto-
`References Cited
`matically adjust a maximum allowable current in response to
`matically adjust a maximum allowable current in response to
`how many valves are operational in a given watering Zone.
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`how many valves are operational in a given watering zone.
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`The irrigation controller may incorporate a power supply,
`3,740,575 A 6/1973 BiZZoco ................... 30741.
`The irrigation controller may incorporate a power supply,
`3,740,575 A *
`6/1973 BizZ0c0 veeessssseeeeeen 307/141.4
`«and it may measure currentdraw from the powersupply with
`4,190,884 A *
`2/1980 Medina .eccccccssnee 7oo/ie
`and it may measure current draw from the power Supply with
`4.190.884 A 2/1980 Medina ....................... 700/16
`an analog-to-digital converter and compare it to a maximum
`4,646.224 A * 2/1987 Ransburg et al. ............. 700/14
`an analog-to-digital converter and compareit to a maximum
`4,646,224 A *
`2/1987 Ransburg et al... 700/14
`current capability of the power Supply. A winterize mode
`4,851,708 A 7/1989 Palmer
`current capability of the power supply. A winterize mode
`4,851,708 A
`7/1989 Palmer
`may be provided, which allows Simultaneous activation of
`4,922,433 A
`5/1990 Mark ......................... 700/284
`may be provided, which allows simultaneous activation of
`4,922,433 A *
`5/1990 Mark oo... 700/284
`multiple watering Zones. A main controller may include a
`4.937,732 A 6/1990 Brundisini
`multiple watering zones. A main controller may include a
`4,937,732 A
`6/1990 Brundisini
`communication port comprising a four-wire interface that
`4951204 A 8/1990 Mylne, III
`communication port comprising a four-wire interface that
`4,951,204 A
`8/1990 Mylne, IIT
`enables a transmittal of diagnostic information to a remote
`5,173,855 A . 12/1992 Nielsen etal.
`enables a transmittal of diagnostic information to a remote
`5,173,855 A : 12/1992 Nielsen et al.
`control device and enables remote operation of the valves of
`aoeeey ‘
`yoo Neenvere Trrrenressess 700/284
`control device and enables remote operation of the valves of
`SE, A SE EYere - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 700/284
`5.337,957 A
`8/1994 Olson....................... 230s
`the irrigation system. Valve status may be indicated with a
`
`5,337,957 A * 8/1994 OIsOn veessessesssssessessesen 239/63__the irrigation system. Valvestatus may be indicated with a
`5,444,611 A
`8/1995 Woytowitz et al.
`bi-color status LED.
`5,444,611 A
`8/1995 Woytowitz et al.
`bi-color status LED.
`5,465,904 A
`11/1995 Vaello
`5,465,904. A 11/1995 Vaello
`5,473,309 A 12/1995 Marcum
`5,473,309 A
`12/1995 Marcum
`
`21 Claims, 14 Drawing Sheets
`21 Claims, 14 Drawing Sheets
`
`(56)
`(56)
`
`28
`28
`
`24
`
`
`
`
`
`
`30
`30
`20-a-
`20——
`34
`
` Keyboard
`Keyboard
`Microprocessor
`Current Sense
`Current Sense
`Microprocessor
`
`34
`
`
`
`
`
`Display
`Triac Drive
`Triac Drive
`
`26
`32
`26
`32
`Power Supply
`PowerSupply
`
`
`
`
`
`36
`36
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`U.S. Patent
`
`Sep. 17, 2002
`Sep. 17, 2002
`
`Sheet 1 of 14
`Sheet 1 of 14
`
`US 6,453,215 B1
`US 6,453,215 B1
`
`20
`
`34
`
`
`
`28
`
`22
`
`24
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`32 36
`
`Power Supply
`
`26 FIG. 1
`
`To Valves
`
`74
`24
`
`
`
`To Valves
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`U.S. Patent
`
`Sep. 17, 2002
`Sep. 17, 2002
`
`Sheet 2 of 14
`Sheet 2 of 14
`
`US 6,453,215 B1
`US 6,453,215 B1
`
`s
`
`s
`
`O
`
`z
`¢
`£
`oO
`oO
`
`e J
`
`)w
`
`w
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`a C)
`S.
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`()
`
`O di
`3
`
`SetProgram
`
`SetTime
`
`O
`
`a
`
`5
`5
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`O8@
`O
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`CO
`<—-
`
`O
`
`wa
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`sa
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`a
`te
`£
`=
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`i
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`OStartTime
`
`
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`Oo
`O
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`oO
`O
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`9
`O
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`oO
`O
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`oO
`O
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`O
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`ON
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`O
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`QC.MVStatus
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`(2) {e) (J) &) @
`on
`to (o) () (
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`is} (e) (e) ©) ©
`
`€
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`U.S. Patent
`
`Sep. 17, 2002
`Sep. 17, 2002
`
`Sheet 3 of 14
`Sheet 3 of 14
`
`US 6,453,215 B1
`US 6,453,215 B1
`
`
`(INTERRUPTS ENABLED)i
`
`INITIALIZATION
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`CONTINUE
`CONTINUE
`
`WITH
`
`UPDATE
`WITH
`UPDATE
`MAIN
`
`
`TIME &
`MAN
`TIME &
`LOOP
`DISPLAY
`
`
`LOOP
`DISPLAY
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`TIME & DISPLAYi
`
`
`
`WHEN COMPLETE
`WHEN COMPLETE
`RETURN TO MAIN LOOP
`RETURN TO MAIN LOOP
`
`ON INTERRUPTS SERVICE
`ON INTERRUPTS SERVICE
`TIME & DISPLAY
`
`FIG. 4
`FIG.4
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`U.S. Patent
`
`Sep. 17, 2002
`Sep. 17, 2002
`
`Sheet 4 of 14
`Sheet 4 of 14
`
`US 6,453,215 B1
`US 6,453,215 Bl
`
`Update
`Update
`Seconds
`Seconds
`
`Decode Display
`Decode Display
`or Time interupt
`or Time Interupt
`
`Update Display
`Update Display
`Wl DeCOded Bits
`w/ DecodedBits
`
`
`
`Update Time,
`Update Time,
`Date, & Counters
`Date, & Counters
`
`
`
`
`Check Days
`Check Days
`& Start Times
`& Start Times
`
`
`
`Min <> even 15
`Min <> even 15
`
`Load Oue with any
`Load Que with any
`Matched Zones
`Matched Zones
`
`
`
`Decrement
`Decrement
`Counter
`Counter
`
`Count F 0
`Count = 0
`
`Turn Off
`Turn Off
`Zone & LED
`zone & LED
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Que
`Que
`
`Empty
`Empty
`
`Get Next
`Get Next
`Zone
`zone
`
`Yes
`je
`
`Check for
`Checkfor
`Faults
`Faults
`
`No
`NO
`
`Activate
`Activate
`Zone & LED
`Zone & LED
`
`Update
`Update
`Display
`Display
`
`
`
`Return to
`Return to
`Main Loop
`Main Loop
`
`Fig. 5
`Fig. 5
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`U.S. Patent
`
`Sep. 17, 2002
`Sep. 17, 2002
`
`Sheet 5 of 14
`Sheet 5 of 14
`
`US 6,453,215 B1
`US 6,453,215 B1
`
`Start
`
`Initialize Variables,
`Initialize Variables,
`I/O and Peripherals
`
`Restore Program
`Restore Program
`& OFF from EEPROM
`& OFF from EEPROM
`
`On Set Program
`On Set Program
`Set PGM Flow
`Set PGM Flow
`
`On Set Time
`On Set Time
`Set Time Flow
`Set Time Flow
`
`//O and Peripherals
`
`
`
` On Water %
`On Water 96
`
`Percent Flow
`Percent Flow
`
`
`On Skip Day
`On Skip Day
`Skip Flow
`Skip Flow
`
`
`
`On Off
`Off FOW
`
`Display Time
`Display Time
`
`Enable
`Enable
`Interrupts
`Interrupts
`
`Run
`Run
`LOOp
`Loop
`
`
` On Manual
`
`
`
`
`
`On Manual
`Manual Flow
`Manual Flow
`
`Check Rain
`Check Rain
`Sensor
`Sensor
`
`
`
`On Germinate
`On Germinate
`Germinate Flow
`
`
`
`Service
`Service
`Remote
`Remote
`
`
`Germinate Flow
`
`
` On Review
`Keypad
`On Review
`Review Flow
`Review Flow
`
`Main Loop Flow Fig. 6
`Main Loop Flow Fig. 6
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`U.S. Patent
`
`Sep. 17, 2002
`Sep. 17, 2002
`
`Sheet 6 of 14
`Sheet 6 of 14
`
`US 6,453,215 B1
`US 6,453,215 B1
`
`Set PGM FOW
`set PGM Flow
`
`
` No Zones Selected
`
`No Zones Selected
`
`
`
`Set Watering
`Set Watering
`Days
`Days
`
`
`
`
`Set Start
`Times
`
`
`
`Save Program
`Save Program
`TO EEPROM
`To EEPROM
`
`Fig. 7
`Fig. 7
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`U.S. Patent
`
`Sep. 17, 2002
`Sep. 17, 2002
`
`Sheet 7 of 14
`Sheet 7 of 14
`
`US 6,453,215 B1
`US 6,453,215 B1
`
`Set Time Flow
`Set Time Flow
`
`
`
`Set Time
`Set Time
`Of Day
`Of Day
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Set Month
`Set Month
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Set Day of
`Set Day of
`MOnth
`Month
`
`
`
`
`
`Set Day
`of Week
`
`Fig. 8
`Fig. 8
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`U.S. Patent
`
`Sep. 17, 2002
`Sep. 17, 2002
`
`Sheet 8 of 14
`Sheet 8 of 14
`
`US 6,453,215 B1
`US 6,453,215 B1
`
`Percent Flow
`Percent Flow
`
`Set Key Timer
`Set Key Timer
`To Max.
`To Max.
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Up or Down
`Up or Down
`
`Save To
`Save To
`EEPROM
`EEPROM
`
`Enter
`Enter
`
`Fig. 9
`Fig. 9
`
`If not
`if not
`Up, Down,
`Up, Down,
`Or Enter
`or Enter
`
`
`
`
`Display
`Display
`Percent
`Percent
`
`Adjust Percent
`Adjust Percent
`Value
`Value
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`U.S. Patent
`
`Sep. 17, 2002
`Sep. 17, 2002
`
`Sheet 9 of 14
`Sheet 9 of 14
`
`US 6,453,215 B1
`US 6,453,215 B1
`
`Skip Flow
`Skip Flow
`
`Set Key Timer
`Set Key Timer
`To Max.
`To Max.
`
`If not
`If not
`Up, Down,
`Up, Down,
`or Enter
`or Enter
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Display
`
`Skip Day
`
`Up or Down
`Up or Down
`
`Adjust Skip
`t
`Adjust Skip
`Day Value
`Day Value
`
`Save To
`Save To
`EEPROM
`EEPROM
`
`Enter
`Enter
`
`
`
`Fig. 10
`Fig. 10
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`U.S. Patent
`
`Sep. 17, 2002
`Sep. 17, 2002
`
`Sheet 10 of 14
`Sheet 10 of 14
`
`US 6,453,215 B1
`US 6,453,215 B1
`
`Off FOW
`Off Flow
`
`
`
`
`
` Display Off
`Display Off
`Clear Oue & LED's
`Clear Que & LED's
`Save to EEPROM
`Save to EEPROM
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`if not
`if not
`On/Off
`On/Off
`
`
`
`
`HOld
`Hold
`
`
`Save To
`Save To
`Until Key
`
`EEPROM
`Until Key
`EEPROM
`
`Released
`Released
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Fig.11
`Fig. 11
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`U.S. Patent
`
`Sep. 17, 2002
`Sep. 17, 2002
`
`Sheet 11 of 14
`Sheet 11 of 14
`
`US 6,453,215 B1
`US 6,453,215 B1
`
`Timer = 0
`Timer = 0
`
`Timer<>0
`Timer <> 0
`
`Invalid
`Invalid
`Key
`Key
`
`Service Timer
`Service Timer
`
`Manual Flow
`Manual Flow
`
`Start
`
`Set Manual LED
`Set Manual LED
`Clear Que
`Clear Que
`
`No Zones Selected
`No Zones Selected
`
`Set Zones
`
`Load Que
`
`All Zone Complete
`All Zone Complete
`
`(tor
`(o)
`
`.
`Display Length
`Display Length
`
`
`
`
`
`Check
`Check
`
`
`
`Keypad
`
`Up or
`DOWn Adjust Current
`Down
`Length
`
`Goto Off Flow
`
`
`Clear Que & LEDs
`Loop
`Clear Que & LEDs
`Loop
`
`Fig. 12
`Fig. 12
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`U.S. Patent
`
`Sep. 17, 2002
`Sep. 17, 2002
`
`Sheet 12 of 14
`Sheet 12 of 14
`
`US 6,453,215 B1
`US 6,453,215 B1
`
`Start
`
`.
`Germinate Flow
`Germinate Flow
`
`
`
`Set Germinate LED
`Clear Que
`Clear Que
`
`.
`
`Fig. 13
`Fig. 13
`
`
`
`Set Zones
`
`
`No Zones Selected
`No Zones Selected
`
`
`
`Recall Program
`
`
`
`
`
`Set Everyday Led
`
`
`
`Set Length
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`if Germinate
`lf Germinate
`Key Pressed
`Key Pressed
`
`
`
`if Germinate
`lf Germinate
`Key Pressed
`Key Pressed
`
`
`
`
`
`Set Start Time
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Update Display
`
` Update Display
`
`
`
`ReCa STD
`Recall STD
`Program
`Program
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Off Flow
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Recal STD
`Recall STD
`Program
`Program
`
`Check Keypad
`Check Keypad
`&
`&
`
`Service Remote
`Service Remote
`Off
`Off
`
`Clear Que & LEDs
`Clear Que & LEDs
`
`Germinate
`Germinate
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`U.S. Patent
`
`Sep. 17, 2002
`Sep. 17, 2002
`
`Sheet 13 of 14
`Sheet 13 of 14
`
`US 6,453,215 B1
`US 6,453,215 B1
`
`Review Flow
`Review Flow
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Set Review Led
`Set Review Led
`
`No Zones Selected
`No Zones Selected
`
`DO Review
`Do Review
`(Fig. 15)
`(Fig. 15)
`
`
`Reset
`
`Display
`All ZOneS DOne
`All Zones Done
`Or Review Key Exit
`Or Review Key Exit
`
`Fig. 14
`Fig. 14
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`if C Max Zone
`If < Max Zone
`Get next Zone
`Get next Zone
`
`Check if
`CheckIf
`This Zone Set
`This Zone Set
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`U.S. Patent
`
`Sep. 17, 2002
`Sep. 17, 2002
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`Sheet 14 of 14
`Sheet 14 of 14
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`US 6,453,215 B1
`US 6,453,215 B1
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`DO Review Flow
`Do Review Flow
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`Fig. 15
`Fig. 15
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`Load Length & Date
`Load Length & Date
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`Invalid Key
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`Display Length & Days
`Display Length & Days
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`Get 1st Start Time
`Get 1st Start Time
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`Enter
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`Display
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`Display
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`1
`1
`IRRIGATION CONTROLLER
`IRRIGATION CONTROLLER
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`US 6,453,215 B1
`US 6,453,215 B1
`
`This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
`This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
`Application No. 60/081,674 filing date Apr. 14, 1998.
`Application No. 60/081,674 filing date Apr. 14, 1998.
`FIELD OF THE INVENTION
`FIELD OF THE INVENTION
`The present invention relates generally to irrigation equip
`The present invention relates generally to irrigation equip-
`ment. More particularly, the invention disclosed herein
`ment. More particularly,
`the invention disclosed herein
`relates to a programmable irrigation controller for multiple
`relates to a programmableirrigation controller for multiple
`watering Zones.
`watering zones.
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`Vegetation typically grows in Soil that has been watered
`Vegetation typically grows in soil that has been watered
`by rain. However, normal and healthy growth of vegetation
`by rain. However, normal and healthy growth of vegetation
`can be retarded and even prevented when natural rainfall
`can be retarded and even prevented when natural rainfall
`fails to meet the requirements of that vegetation.
`fails to meet
`the requirements of that vegetation.
`Advantageously, artificial irrigation can compensate for the
`Advantageously,artificial irrigation can compensate for the
`deficiencies of nature by Supplying Sufficient amounts of
`deficiencies of nature by supplying sufficient amounts of
`water directly to Vegetation at predetermined intervals for
`water directly to vegetation at predetermined intervals for
`predetermined lengths of time.
`predetermined lengths of time.
`Early techniques for Supplementing natural rainfall rela
`Early techniques for supplementing natural rainfall rela-
`tive to vegetation located remote distances from a water
`tive to vegetation located remote distances from a water
`Source often comprised Such rudimentary methods as a
`source often comprised such rudimentary methods as a
`manual pouring of water directly onto Vegetation by hand
`manual pouring of water directly onto vegetation by hand
`and bucket. Eventually, aqueduct Systems Simplified the
`and bucket. Eventually, aqueduct systems simplified the
`task. A basic aqueduct Systems typically comprises long
`task. A basic aqueduct systems typically comprises long
`furrows or pipes designed to transport water from a remote
`furrowsor pipes designed to transport water from a remote
`Source, usually employing gravity, to an area immediately
`source, usually employing gravity, to an area immediately
`adjacent the vegetation Sought to be watered. Eventually,
`adjacent the vegetation sought to be watered. Eventually,
`diligent invention led to additional advances in irrigation.
`diligent invention led to additional advances in irrigation.
`Animal power and mechanical lifting provided irrigation
`Animal power and mechanical lifting provided irrigation
`Systems that were more efficient and leSS taxing on those
`systems that were more efficient and less taxing on those
`who employed them.
`who employed them.
`Advances in generalized technology eventually led to Still
`Advancesin generalized technology eventually led to still
`further improvements in irrigation. Steam power, the inter
`further improvements in irrigation. Steam power, the inter-
`nal combustion engine, and electricity allowed irrigation
`nal combustion engine, and electricity allowed irrigation
`systems to become fully mechanized. Previously state-of
`systems to become fully mechanized. Previously state-of-
`the-art irrigation controllers gave way to mechanical devices
`the-art irrigation controllers gave way to mechanical devices
`with internal, often programmable, timers. These Systems
`with internal, often programmable, timers. These systems
`provided a means for automating the control of water flow
`provided a means for automating the control of water flow
`from a pressurized water Source through piping assemblies
`from a pressurized water source through piping assemblies
`and the like to plural watering Stations or Zones.
`and the like to plural watering stations or zones.
`Automatic electromechanical controllers for Such Systems
`Automatic electromechanical controllers for such systems
`typically incorporated conventional motor-driven electric
`typically incorporated conventional motor-driven electric
`clocks for allowing a user to program individual start times
`clocks for allowing a user to program individualstart times
`for particular irrigation cycles and watering Stations. Calen
`for particular irrigation cycles and watering stations. Calen-
`dar programs could provide the ability to Select particular
`dar programs could provide the ability to select particular
`days for watering over a span of 14 days and more. With
`days for watering over a span of 14 days and more. With
`these electromechanical controllers, calendar programs
`these electromechanical controllers, calendar programs
`would be operable by means of a disc that is rotated each 24
`would be operable by meansofa disc that is rotated each 24
`hours to a next-day position by a motor-driven clock.
`hours to a next-day position by a motor-driven clock.
`Unfortunately, Such Systems quickly become undesirably
`Unfortunately, such systems quickly become undesirably
`complex with increased numbers of watering Zones, Such as
`complex with increased numbers of watering zones, such as
`is required with golf courses, cemeteries, parks, and the like.
`is required with golf courses, cemeteries, parks, and thelike.
`Again, innovation provided an incremental improvement
`Again, innovation provided an incremental improvement
`with the development of Solid State irrigation controllers
`with the development of solid state irrigation controllers
`thereby replacing the electric motors, mechanical Switches,
`thereby replacing the electric motors, mechanical switches,
`actuating pins, cams, levers, gears, and other mechanical
`actuating pins, cams, levers, gears, and other mechanical
`devices with solid state electronic circuitry. With this, the
`devices with solid state electronic circuitry. With this, the
`Systems allow programming of multiple start times and day
`systems allow programming of multiple start times and day
`programs for individual watering Stations or Zones, repeat
`programs for individual watering stations or zones, repeat
`cycles, and watering time Selections in minutes or even
`cycles, and watering time selections in minutes or even
`Seconds-all with increased accuracy coupled with a con
`seconds—all with increased accuracy coupled with a con-
`comitant elimination of the complex interrelation of
`comitant elimination of the complex interrelation of
`mechanical parts.
`mechanical parts.
`Generally, prior art Solid State irrigation controllers incor
`Generally,prior art solid state irrigation controllers incor-
`porate a programmable microprocessor with a user interface
`porate a programmable microprocessor with a user interface
`
`10
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`15
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`20
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`25
`25
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`30
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`35
`35
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`40
`40
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`45
`45
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`50
`50
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`55
`55
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`60
`60
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`65
`65
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`2
`2
`that enables a programming of Several watering Stations or
`that enables a programming of several watering stations or
`Zones based on a plurality of timing variables Such as daily,
`zones based on a plurality of timing variables such as daily,
`weekly, odd days, even days, start times, watering lengths,
`weekly, odd days, even days, start times, watering lengths,
`and Still further variables. Each watering Zone typically
`and still further variables. Each watering zone typically
`includes one or more Sprinklers and a Solenoid valve that is
`includes one or more sprinklers and a solenoid valvethat is
`normally regulated by the microprocessor. The Solenoid
`normally regulated by the microprocessor. The solenoid
`valves control the flow of water from a pressurized water
`valves control the flow of water from a pressurized water
`Source to a given watering Zone. Certain Systems visually
`source to a given watering zone. Certain systems visually
`communicate the current Status of the System's program
`communicate the current status of the system’s program-
`mable variables by use of Such means as liquid crystal
`mable variables by use of such means as liquid crystal
`displays (hereinafter “LCD”). Some systems allow a user to
`displays (hereinafter “LCD”). Some systemsallow a user to
`override the preprogrammed automatic watering operations
`override the preprogrammed automatic watering operations
`by manual intervention. This allows the System to account
`by manual intervention. This allows the system to account
`for unusual circumstances Such as excessive rain or drought.
`for unusual circumstances such as excessive rain or drought.
`It will be immediately apparent that this lengthy evolution
`It will be immediately apparentthat this lengthy evolution
`of irrigation Systems has resulted in State-of-the-art Systems
`of irrigation systems has resulted in state-of-the-art systems
`that are exponentially more efficient, convenient, and effec
`that are exponentially more efficient, convenient, and effec-
`tive than their predecessors. Unfortunately, however, as with
`tive than their predecessors. Unfortunately, however, as with
`nearly all things, even advanced Systems remain imperfect.
`nearly all things, even advanced systems remain imperfect.
`For example, although known prior art irrigation control
`For example, although knownpriorart irrigation control-
`lers have enabled remote communication between a remote
`lers have enabled remote communication between a remote
`unit and a controller microprocessor, this communication
`unit and a controller microprocessor, this communication
`has been decidedly one sided. Irrigation controllers have
`has been decidedly one sided. Irrigation controllers have
`allowed for the remote operation of water valves and the like
`allowed for the remote operation of water valves andthe like
`by a Sending of information from the remote unit to the
`by a sending of information from the remote unit to the
`microprocessor. However, they have not allowed an oppo
`microprocessor. However, they have not allowed an oppo-
`site stream of communication—communication from the
`Site Stream of communication-communication from the
`microprocessor to the remote unit. Accordingly, a remote
`microprocessor to the remote unit. Accordingly, a remote
`user can not determine whether one or more watering Zones
`user can not determine whether one or more watering zones
`is faulty (e.g., is in an open-circuit or closed circuit
`is faulty (e.g.,
`is in an open-circuit or closed circuit
`condition). Consequently, remote troubleshooting often
`condition). Consequently,
`remote troubleshooting often
`becomes unduly burdensome.
`becomes unduly burdensome.
`Another Shortcoming exhibited by prior art irrigation
`Another shortcoming exhibited by prior art
`irrigation
`controllers is that they give a user insufficient flexibility.
`controllers is that they give a user insufficient flexibility.
`Although a user can Select from multiple watering programs
`Although a user can select from multiple watering programs
`in prior art control Systems, Such Systems do not allow a
`in prior art control systems, such systems do not allow a
`ready Switching from one mode that employs one entire Set
`ready switching from one mode that employs oneentire set
`of programs that the user has entered to a Second or third
`of programs that the user has entered to a second or third
`mode that employs other Sets of programs that the user has
`mode that employs other sets of programsthat the user has
`entered. Consequently, causing the irrigation controller to
`entered. Consequently, causing the irrigation controller to
`accommodate changes in Seasons or the demands of germi
`accommodate changes in seasons or the demands of germi-
`nating Seeds are laborious tasks each and every time they
`nating seeds are laborious tasks each and every time they
`must be accomplished.
`must be accomplished.
`Another shortcoming from which prior art irrigation con
`Another shortcoming from whichprior art irrigation con-
`trollerS Suffer relates to their current Sensing circuitry, which
`trollers suffer relates to their current sensing circuitry, which
`is typically capable of Sensing faulty valves within the
`is typically capable of sensing faulty valves within the
`irrigation System. Although Such current Sensing circuitry is
`irrigation system. Although such current sensing circuitry is
`useful for protecting an irrigation controller from harm from
`useful for protecting an irrigation controller from harm from
`a faulty (i.e., shorted) valve, it is not capable of specifying
`a faulty (i.e., shorted) valve, it is not capable of specifying
`how many valves are open in any given watering Zone,
`how many valves are open in any given watering zone,
`which would allow the irrigation controller to adjust the
`which would allow the irrigation controller to adjust the
`maximum allowable current in the System. Furthermore,
`maximum allowable current in the system. Furthermore,
`Such Systems are not able to determine when no valve is
`such systems are not able to determine when no valve is
`operational whereby the System may pump water with no
`operational whereby the system may pump water with no
`Valve open thereby causing damage to the pump and,
`valve open thereby causing damage to the pump and,
`possibly, other portions of the irrigation System.
`possibly, other portions of the irrigation system.
`A further deficiency in prior art irrigation controllerS is
`A further deficiency in prior art irrigation controllers is
`that crucial information often is lost during extended periods
`that crucial information oftenis lost during extended periods
`when the Overall System is without power, Such as during
`when the overall system is without power, such as during
`winter months or extended periods of power failure. As a
`winter months or extended periods of power failure. As a
`result, Systems that lose their memory often will not recall
`result, systems that lose their memory often will not recall
`whether they were on or off when they were last in use.
`whether they were on or off when they were last in use.
`When Such a System again receives power, it may malfunc
`When such a system again receives power, it may malfunc-
`tion Such as by activating water Valves even while the
`tion such as by activating water valves even while the
`System is down. Furthermore, Such a System could lose all
`system is down. Furthermore, such a system could lose all
`of the watering programs that had previously been entered
`of the watering programs that had previously been entered
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`

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`3
`3
`Such that a user would have to reenter each program Sought
`such that a user would have to reenter each program sought
`to be employed.
`to be employed.
`Yet another drawback exhibited by irrigation controllers
`Yet another drawback exhibited by irrigation controllers
`of the prior art is a common inability to provide a specialized
`of the prior art is a commoninability to provide a specialized
`mode that allows a user to activate multiple watering Zones
`modethat allows a user to activate multiple watering zones
`Simultaneously. In day-to-day operation, this is a desirable
`simultaneously. In day-to-day operation, this is a desirable
`restriction because having too many valves open during
`restriction because having too many valves open during
`regular operation can cause malfunctions in the System Such
`regular operation can cause malfunctions in the system such
`as from excessive loSS in head. However, Such an ability is
`as from excessive loss in head. However, such an ability is
`highly desirable during Such operations as winterizing pro
`highly desirable during such operations as winterizing pro-
`cedures where a user seeks to blow the water from each of
`cedures where a user Seeks to blow the water from each of
`the Zones to prevent damage from freezing water. As a result,
`the zones to prevent damage from freezing water. As a result,
`with present-day irrigation controllers the user must activate
`with present-day irrigation controllers the user must activate
`each Zone separately in an arduous and time-consuming
`each zone separately in an arduous and time-consuming
`procedure.
`procedure.
`Finally, a most prevalent shortcoming exhibited by prior
`Finally, a most prevalent shortcoming exhibited by prior
`art irrigation controllers is that programming them is often
`art irrigation controllers is that programming them is often
`a difficult and confusing task. For example, a user Seeking to
`a difficult and confusing task. For example, a user seeking to
`program a multiplicity of watering Zones often is unable to
`program a multiplicity of watering zones often is unable to
`determine which watering Zone is presently Selected for
`determine which watering zone is presently selected for
`programming. Furthermore, other than by his or her own
`programming. Furthermore, other than by his or her own
`memory, users typically have no means of knowing which
`memory, users typically have no means of knowing which
`function of the irrigation controller he or She is program
`function of the irrigation controller he or she is program-
`m