Patent ID: 6427718
Filing Date: 2002-08-06
Classification: A01G,E02B,G01F,Y10T

Abstract:
An automated turnout control system for controlling the flow of water from a main channel to a turnout channel of a farm, said system comprising:a flow measurement structure located in the turnout channel of the farm downstream of the main channel; a water level sensor for measuring the water level at said flow measurement structure and for producing a corresponding output signal; an adjustable flow control gate located in the turnout channel upstream of said measurement structure and said water level sensor for controlling the rate of flow of water into said turnout channel from said main channel; a gate actuator for adjusting said flow control gate to an adjusted setting so as to control the rate of flow of water therethrough; a gate setting sensing means for sensing the adjusted setting and for producing a corresponding output signal; and a controller, connected to said water level sensor, said gate setting sensing means and said gate actuator, for receiving said output signals from said water level sensor and said gate setting sensing means and for controlling said gate actuator to adjust the gate setting, and to thus adjust the rate of flow of water therethrough independently of fluctuations in the main channel, based on said output signals so as to enable a desired rate of flow of water therethrough to be maintained.