Abstract:
Utilizing the latest microprocessor technology, the digital moisture monitor controller along with its wide applications alternating current conduction moisture sensors and optional X10 multi sensor multi pump controller, controls moisture levels in all soils and all of today&#39;s hydroponics mediums.

Description:
BACKGROUND AND FIELD OF INVENTION  
       [0001]     The invention relates to automatic type watering devices. More specifically to automatic control of moisture levels in all soils and all of today&#39;s hydroponics type mediums such as rock wool, grow cubes, pumice stone, and the many other types of growing mediums.  
         [0002]     Utilizing digital circuitry the device will display current moisture level in percentage, 0% representing absolute 0 moisture and 100% representing complete moisture saturation. If the moisture level drops to below the moisture level preset the device will activate buzzer alarm, LED alarm and pump control output for one minute or until the moisture preset level is reached. In doing so the moisture level is kept constant in the medium or soil, maintaining a moisture zone, which can be adjusted for wetter or dryer levels.  
         [0003]     In the wide field of hydroponics applications many problems related to plant health occur due to, too much moisture or, too little moisture at the root zone of the plant. In some types of hydroponics systems the plants root system is completely submersed in water and nutrients, which is fine for low profile non fruiting types of plants. However large fruit bearing plants need aeration and root to plant support, which is provided by a medium. If the optimum moisture level is maintained within the medium, the plants resistant to disease greatly increases, as well as plant yield.  
         [0004]     Current monitoring and automatic watering devices are not designed to handle all of the different types of hydroponics mediums. Also they lack or can&#39;t perform linear tracking, (actual amount of moisture in medium at any given time versus medium dry weight) and provide optimum moisture levels, based on the plant requirements such as temperature, humidity, PH, PPM, water and nutrient uptake.  
         [0005]     This device is used in soil as well, and reference to those types of devices shall be used for 0006 and 0007.  
         [0006]     Soil moisture sensor-controller devices, control moisture for their particular soil type applications. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,401742 to Cramer, U.S. Pat. No. 5,570030 to Wightman, U.S. Pat. No. 4,796654 to Simpson and U.S. Pat. No. 4,197,866 to Neal. However, These devices would not perform to specifications or fail to operate in a hydroponics medium such as pumice stone or clay pellets.  
         [0007]     While these devices may be suitable for the particular purpose employed or for general use, they would not be suitable for the purposes of the present invention as disclosed here after.  
       BRIF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0008]     The digital moisture monitor controller with wide applications soil and hydroponics moisture sensors and multi sensor multi pump controller, provide accuracy and operational simplicity for moisture control in all soils and all of today&#39;s hydroponics grow mediums.  
         [0009]     The heart of the system is comprised of a microprocessor which provides sensing signal, frequency conversion digital integrator, 4½ digit liquid crystal display, minimum preset memory; pump relay control, alarm LED and buzzer control.  
         [0010]     Due to a wide and varying PPM (parts per million) or EC (electrical conductivity) in mediums and soils, a unique tare circuit is incorporated which provides the correct offset at the input of the integrator. In doing so large offsets can be tared off much like a digital scale, while maintaining an adjustable moisture range of 0-100%.  
         [0011]     Also a flood sensing circuit is employed which is independent of the microprocessor. In the event a flood is detected the flood sensing circuit will activate flood LED, alarm tone and override the pump control output from the microprocessor preventing 120V AC from appearing at the pump control AC outlet.  
         [0012]     Three sensors are included, a dual soil/hydroponics moisture sensor, a hydroponics only moisture sensor and a wet dry flood sensor.  
         [0013]     An optional X10 digital multi sensor multi pump controller unit provides up to 10 additional moisture sensors and 10 additional pumps. 
     
    
     BRIEF DISCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0014]     In the drawings, like elements are depicted by like reference numerals.  
         [0015]     The drawings are briefly described as follows.  
         [0016]      FIG. 1  is a two dimensional partial cutaway drawing, illustrating the digital moisture controller and sensor in soil or soil less medium.  
         [0017]      FIG. 2  is a two dimensional partial cutaway drawing, illustrating the digital moisture controller and sensor in a clay pellet or pumice stone type hydroponics medium.  
         [0018]      FIG. 3  is a unfolded two-dimensional drawing, illustrating the digital moisture controllers left, right, bottom and top panels laid flat in relation to the front panel.  
         [0019]      FIG. 4  is a electrical block diagram, illustrating the interconnections of the major functional components of the invention.  
         [0020]      FIG. 5  is a two dimensional drawing, illustrating the soil or soil-less dual purpose type moisture sensor with the front cover removed.  
         [0021]      FIG. 6  is a cut away two dimensional drawing, illustrating the soil-less or hydroponics type sensor.  
         [0022]      FIG. 7  is a two dimensional drawing, illustrating a bottom view of the flood sensor housing and the leaf type printed circuit board flood sensor screwed in place.  
         [0023]      FIG. 8  is a two dimensional drawing illustrating the moisture controller and the multi-sensor, multi-pump controller device in use.  
         [0024]      FIG. 9  is an unfolded two dimensional drawing, illustrating the X10 multi-sensor, multi-pump controllers left, right, top and bottom panels laid flat in relation to the front panel.  
         [0025]      FIG. 10  is an electrical block diagram, illustrating the interconnections of the major functional components of the invention. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0026]      FIG. 1  illustrates a device according to an embodiment of the present invention for monitoring and controlling moisture levels in soil and Soil-less mediums, which is referred to hereinafter, simply as a moisture controller  101 . Moisture controller  101  includes two moisture sensors and a flood sensor. Moisture sensor  103 A is a dual function AC conduction-type moisture sensor with a plug in cord  102 , which is referred to hereinafter as moisture sensor  103 A. Moisture sensor  103 B is an AC conduction type moisture sensor with plug in cord  102 . Moisture sensor  103 B is a new type moisture sensor specifically for hydroponics mediums only, which shall be referred hereinafter as moisture sensor  103 B. Flood sensor  114  uses a DC conduction leaf type printed circuit board pattern with a plug in cord  104 , which shall be referred hereinafter as flood sensor  114 . Any further reference to moisture controller  101  drawing hereinafter shall also refer to  FIG. 3  for larger scale.  
         [0027]     Moisture controller  101  must be set up for its particular application before use. This is done by plugging the power cord O into a wall outlet, and pushing power switch L to on. Next, select proper moisture sensor  103 A for  FIG. 1  application, and plug it into MOISTURE SENSOR IN M ( FIG. 3 ). With moisture sensor  103 A out of soil or medium, adjust the ZERO ADJ control F ( FIG. 3 ) until the display B reads 0. Next, apply water and nutrient mix  113  until what the user would consider 100% saturation, then place moisture sensor  103 A in soil or medium to root zone, and adjust the 100% control J until the display B reads 100%. Next and final step, program the minimum moisture preset level by pushing the preset button I and holding it down until the display B reads what the user would consider an appropriate minimum moisture level or actual amount of moisture remaining in soil or medium, in this case 50% has been selected.  
         [0028]     To activate pump and alarm control, push ACTIVE button E, and MIN will appear in the display B. In  FIG. 1 , the moisture controller device  101  is shown in use. Located within the medium container  106  is soil or soil-less rockwool type medium  107 A and plants. Also included is a water return flow filter  110  and moisture sensor  103 A. When the actual amount of moisture in the soil or medium drops below the minimum moisture preset level, the moisture controller  101  initiates a one minute watering cycle by supplying 120 v AC to PUMP OUT P, activates PUMP ON LED I, flashes MIN in display B and activates the alarm multi-tone for one minute indicating to user that the watering cycle has been initiated. Power is supplied to the submersible pump  115 , via power cord  116 . PUMP OUT Q is common to PUMP OUT P and is not used in this application. The alarm switch G switches on and off the watering cycle multi-tone only. If the minimum moisture preset level is not reached within one minute, pump output P, and pump on LED A will remain on. Also MIN will continue to flash in the display until the moisture content in the soil or medium is at or slightly above the minimum moisture pre-set level. Once the minimum preset level is reached the watering cycle is completed, the pump output P and pump on LED A will shut off, MIN will no longer flash in the display  1 B, and the numeral portion of the display B should read approximately 50% moisture content or slightly greater. If so the cycle of monitoring and pump control starts again. The moisture controller  1011  utilizes a separate flood control circuit with flood sensor which is independent of the microprocessor and performs its functions even if the microprocessor or its support components should fail. On the left side panel is the X10 multi-sensor, multi-pump connector, its embodiment is described below with reference to  FIG. 9 .  
         [0029]     Flood sensor  114  should be placed where flooding may occur. In the event the flood sensor  114  becomes wet, it supplies 4.5 volts DC, via its plug-in type cord  114  to the moisture controller FLOOD SENSOR IN, labeled N in  FIG. 3 . When the flood circuit detects 4.5 volts DC present at its input, it will then activate FLOOD LED C and overrides the PUMP OUT P, holding them off until the flood condition is corrected. It also overrides the buzzer ALARM D and provides a loud continuous 2.3 KHZ tone. Hardware numerals not included in above embodiment. Return water out flow PVC or plumbing  109 , water in flow VC or plumbing  105 , water and nutrient reservoir  111 , stand or table  12  and fuse housing K.  
         [0030]      FIG. 2  is analogous to  FIG. 1  the only difference is  FIG. 2  illustrates the moisture controller  101  with clay pellets or pumice stone medium  107 B and shows the appropriate moisture sensor  103 B for that particular application.  
         [0031]      FIG. 3  is a larger scale unfolded two dimensional drawing of moisture controller  101  illustrating left, right, bottom and top panels laid flat in relation to the front panel. Moisture controller  101  panel components and their functions are listed here forward in alphabetical order. PUMP ON LED A indicates when the pump is running. Display B displays current moisture level form 0 to 100%, displays MIN indicating the moisture controller  101  is active, displays over and under +-indicating the MOISTURE SENSOR IN M, is too high or too low, displays programming minimum moisture level 0 to 100% and displays memory minimum moisture preset level. FLOOD on LED C indicates a flood condition exists. Buzzer ALARM D has two distinct tones: a multi-tone indicating watering cycle has initiated and a continuous 2.3 KHZ tone indicating a flood condition exists. PRESET I is a momentary push-button-type switch. Push and hold preset I. This programs minimum moisture preset level at display B from 0 to 100%. ZERO ADJ F, is a 10-turn linear potentiometer which adjusts zero at display B. ACTIVE E is a momentary push-button-type switch. Push once to activate moisture controller  101  and MIN will appear in display.  
         [0032]     After a 10-second period, push and hold Active E and the display will show the memory minimum moisture preset level. Push the active E once again and moisture controller  101  is deactivated and MIN. no longer appears in display B. In the deactivate mode the moisture controller  101  acts as a monitor and holds the pump control out and the pump on LED and watering cycle multi-tone in an off condition. Adjust 100% J, is a 10 turn linear potentiometer which adjust for 100% at the display B after applying water nutrient mix and placing moisture sensor at root level. ALARM ON G is a 2-position switch that switches the watering cycle multi-tone on or off. Fuse K houses a 5 amp fuse. POWER switch L is a 2-position switch that provides power to moisture controller  101  circuitry. MOISTURE SENSOR IN M is a connector that accepts the moisture sensors plug from  102 . FLOOD SENSOR IN N is a connector that accepts flood sensor plug from  104 . PUMP OUT P and PUMP OUT Q are common and supply 120 v AC to submersible pump or pumps. AC power cord O provides power to moisture controller  101 . Din connector H, is a 3-pin din connector that provides common ground, and digital control signals to optional X10 multi-sensor, multi-pump controller. FUSE K, is the fuse housing and 5 amp fuse.  
         [0033]      FIG. 4  is an electrical block diagram, illustrating the interconnections of the major circuit blocks.  
         [0034]      FIG. 5  is a two-dimensional drawing, illustrating the soil or soil-less type moisture sensor with front cover removed. The electrical and hardware components are listed in numeral order.  501  is an aluminum rod probe and output wire fastener.  502  Is the flood sensor housing.  503  is an aluminum rod probe and input wire fastener.  504  is a two-conductor-type plug.  505  is a two wire conductor cord.  506  is an insulator sleeve resistant to corrosion and has a high electrical resistant.  507  is moisture sensor cover.  508  is the first aluminum rod probe tip AC conduction point.  509  is the second aluminum rod probe tip AC conduction point.  
         [0035]      FIG. 6  is a cut-away two-dimensional drawing, illustrating the new hydroponics type sensor that is cylinder in shape with a wide opening at the top of the sensor, this provides enough inside area to obtain an average moisture content of the pellets or pumice stone within the medium chamber. The moisture sensor is designed to be buried at the root zone with the medium chamber filled with pellets or pumice stone and covered over. The electrical and hardware components are listed in numeral order.  601  is cylinder housing that protects and supports the internal sensor parts.  602  is the medium chamber.  603  is a fine mesh screen, which prevents any medium or roots from entering the moisture chamber.  604  is a two-conductor-type plug.  605  is a two-wire conductor cord.  606  is the moisture chamber.  607  is a non-corrosive insulator with embedded electrode.  608  is a non-corrosive insulator with embedded electrode. The embedded electrode tips act as the AC conduction point for both electrodes.  609  is actual pumice stone that has been tumbled in a metal polishing tumbler to obtain correct diameter and conformity.  
         [0036]      FIG. 7  is a two dimensional drawing illustrating a bottom view of the flood sensor housing and the leaf type printed circuit board pattern, which is screwed in place. The electrical and hardware components are listed in numeral order.  701  is the flood sensor housing.  702  is the flood sensor input.  703  is the 4.5 volts DC moisture sensor output.  704  is a two-conductor plug.  705  is a two-conductor cord.  706  is the printed circuit board sensor, whose DC conduction point lies anywhere between the circuit board etches.  
         [0037]      FIG. 8  illustrates an optional device that works in conjunction with moisture controller  101 . The device controls ten individual moisture sensors and ten individual pumps, which is referred to hereinafter as the X10 controller  802 . In this application four sensors  3 A,  3 B,  3 C, and  3 D also four pumps  5 A,  5 B,  5 C and  5 D have been selected. Any further reference to the X10 controller  802  drawing should refer to  FIG. 9  for larger scale. Set up for the X10 controller  902  (same as  802 ) is performed in the stop mode; any channel can be selected to stop at, when the AUTO STOP switch C ( FIG. 9 ) is moved to the stop position the SENSOR OUT connector D will remain active, allowing for placement of moisture sensors and matching of their individual moisture levels. The X10 controller  902 , utilizes two digital control signals and a common ground from moisture controller  801 , via din connector A.  
         [0038]     The first control signal is the minimum moisture preset out. The second control signal is flood condition out. Moisture sensors plug into CH SENSOR IN F connectors, SENSOR OUT connector D plugs into moisture controller  801  and pumps plug into CH. TO PUMP AC outlets E. With the POWER switch B in the on position and the AUTO STOP switch C in the auto position, the X10 controller  902  will automatically step through the channels up to the position selected on the, SENSORS IN USE selector switch J, at the selected position the next step will return to channel  1  and start the sequence again, only using the channels needed for the number of sensors in use. At each step point or channel the X10 controller  902  latches the individual sensor through its solid state relay to the SENSOR OUT connector D, and turns on CHI indicator LED G. For example if the minimum moisture level should fall below the minimum preset level for channel one, the X10 controller  902  will stop at channel one, latch number one pump relay, activating CH. TO PUMP E AC outlet, and remain on until the minimum moisture preset level at moisture controller  801  is reached. In doing so the X10 controller  902  will step to channel two and start the process of comparing channel two&#39;s moisture sensor level to the minimum moisture preset level at moisture controller  801 . Had a flood condition occurred during any mode of operation X10 controller  902  will stop at that channel and over ride the CH.TO PUMP AC outlets E, holding them off until the flood condition is corrected.  
         [0039]      FIG. 9  is a larger scale unfolded two-dimensional drawing of the X10 controller  802 , labeled in this drawing  902 , illustrating left, right, bottom and top panels laid flat in relation to the front panel. The X10 controller  902  panel components and their functions are listed here forward in alphabetical order. A is a 3-pin din connector that inputs common ground and digital control signals. B is a single pole single throw POWER switch that provides power to the X10 controller  902  circuitry. C is a single pole single throw AUTO STOP switch used to stop the step sequence in order to place moisture sensors and match their moisture levels. D is a two-conductor SENSOR OUT connector. E is the CH. TO PUMP AC outlets. F is the CH. TO SENSOR connectors. G is the CH. 1 through 10 LED&#39;s. H is a fuse housing and five amp fuse. I is a power cord and plug. J is a ten position SENSORS IN USE selector switch, whose selected position determines the step sequence turn around point.  
         [0040]      FIG. 10  is an electrical block diagram, illustrating the interconnections of the major circuit blocks.  
         [0041]     In conclusion, herein is presented a fully automatic digitally-controlled moisture level monitor controller with the new hydroponics moisture sensors and the optional multi-sensor, multi-pump controller, providing operational simplicity and consistent accuracy, for controlling moisture levels in all soils and all of today&#39;s hydroponics grow mediums.