Patent Description:
Water is known to nourish environments and provide an important habitat for native plants and animals. Water may also be used to target specific outcomes, such as a desired plant growth, by providing the right amount of water at the right time for them to feed, breed and grow.

Water is naturally provided to an environment through the water cycle. In summary, water travels from a first environment on the Earth's surface to the atmosphere and then back to the ground again at a second environment. Solar energy provides a continuous exchange of moisture between the oceans, land, and atmosphere. However, the amount of water provided may be lower or higher than that which ensures ecosystems, including plants, are healthy and nourished. For example, if too little water is provided plants may wither, conversely if too much water is provide plants may die. Of course, these are extreme examples, it may be that whilst the level of water is not so low that plants may die or so high that the plants may drown as the level of water provided is suboptimal plant growth and health is suboptimal.

There are existing methods of artificially controlling the amount of water provided to an environment. One such method uses a chamber having a level of water corresponding to that in the environment. The water level in the chamber is in liquid connection with an environment. The chamber includes a float arrangement and if the level of water is below a threshold, water is added to the chamber from a water supply.

<CIT> discloses systems, apparatuses, devices and methods that may enable and facilitate the measuring of fluid flow. <CIT> discloses a liquid control device for a reservoir of a pump station.

There is provided a liquid measurement and control apparatus for measuring and controlling a level of liquid in an environment including plants or animals, the apparatus including: a first chamber including a first liquid port for liquid connection with the environment; a second chamber integrally formed with the first chamber and including a second liquid port for liquid connection with the environment; a level sensor for measuring a first level of liquid in the first chamber; and an adjuster for adjusting a second level of liquid in the second chamber wherein, in use, the liquid level within the first chamber is in constant near equilibrium with the level of liquid in the environment even when the level of liquid within the second chamber is being adjusted.

In use, flow of liquid between the first and second chambers within the apparatus may be prevented such that the first level of liquid is representative of the level of liquid in the environment and the second level of liquid is adjustable to control the level of liquid in the environment.

The adjuster may include one or more of: a liquid supply; a pump; a further port included in the second chamber; and/or an overflow port included in the second chamber.

The liquid supply may be configured to supply liquid to the second chamber.

The adjuster may include a pump for pumping liquid out of the second chamber.

The adjuster may include a pump for pumping liquid into the second chamber, e.g. via the liquid supply.

The adjuster may include a flow meter and/or valve.

The level sensor may be or include: a pressure transducer; an ultrasonic sensor; a float sensor; an optical sensor; a capacitance sensor; a RADAR sensor; a LIDAR or LADAR sensor; a magnetic sensor; an electrical conductivity sensor; an electrical resistance sensor; and/or an acoustic sensor.

The liquid measurement and control apparatus for measuring and controlling a level of liquid in an environment may further include a controller configured to receive data from the level sensor.

The controller may be configured to transmit and/or receive data to or from the adjuster.

The controller may be configured to transmit and/or receive data from a remote device.

The first chamber may be within the second chamber; or the second chamber may be within the first chamber.

The adjuster may be within the first and/or second chamber.

There is also provided a method for measuring and controlling a level of liquid in an environment including plants or animals, the method including: determining a first level of liquid in a first chamber of a liquid measurement and control apparatus by a level sensor, said first chamber including a first port in liquid connection with the environment; adjusting a second level of liquid in a second chamber of the liquid measurement and control apparatus, which second chamber is integrally formed with the first chamber, the second chamber including a second port in liquid connection with the environment, wherein the liquid level within the first chamber is in constant near equilibrium with the level of liquid in the environment even when the level of liquid within the second chamber is being adjusted.

Adjustment of the second level of liquid in the second chamber may control the level of liquid in the environment. Flow of liquid between the first and second chambers within the apparatus may be prevented such that the first level of liquid is representative of the level of liquid in the environment.

Determining the first level of liquid in the first chamber may include electronically sensing the first level of liquid in the first chamber.

The second level of liquid may be adjusted by adding or removing liquid from the second chamber.

The adjustment of the second level of liquid may be measured.

The amount of added or removed liquid to or from the second chamber may be controlled by actuating a valve and/or pump.

Adjusting the second level of liquid in the second chamber may include transferring liquid in and/or out of the second chamber.

Data may be received by a controller from: the electronic sensing of the first level of liquid in the first chamber; and/or a remote device.

Data may be transmitted from the controller to an actuator to instruct, permit or prevent adding or removing of liquid to or from the second chamber.

The method for measuring and controlling a level of liquid in an environment may further include transmitting data from the controller to a remote device.

There is also provided a computer program including instructions which, when the program is executed by a computer, cause the computer to carry out the method for measuring and controlling a level of liquid in an environment.

There is also provided a system for measuring and controlling a level of liquid in an environment including plants or animals, the system including: the liquid measurement and control apparatus for measuring and controlling a level of liquid in an environment including plants or animals; a first conduit in liquid connection with the first port and a first portion of the environment; and a second conduit in liquid connection with the second port and a second portion of the environment.

The program may be executed by the controller and/or the remote device.

The first level of liquid in the first chamber may be in equilibrium with the level of liquid at the first portion of the environment.

The second level of liquid in the second chamber may be out of equilibrium with the level of liquid at the second portion of the environment.

The liquid measurement and control apparatus for measuring and controlling a level of liquid in an environment may be located separate from the environment.

A portion of the apparatus may be above and/or below ground surface level.

These and other aspects of the disclosure will be apparent from and elucidated with reference to the embodiment(s) described hereinafter.

Embodiments will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:.

There is provided a liquid measurement and control apparatus for measuring and controlling a level of liquid in an environment including plants or animals, the apparatus including: a first chamber including a first liquid port for liquid connection to the environment; a second chamber integrally formed with the first chamber and including a second liquid port for liquid connection to the environment; a level sensor for measuring a first level of liquid in the first chamber; and an adjuster for adjusting a second level of liquid in the second chamber, wherein, in use, flow of liquid between the first and second chambers within the apparatus is prevented such that the first level of liquid is representative of the level of liquid in the environment and the second level of liquid is adjustable to control the level of liquid in the environment.

Referring firstly to <FIG> of the drawings, a liquid measurement and control apparatus, indicated generally at <NUM>, is for measuring and controlling a level of liquid in an environment.

The apparatus <NUM> includes a first chamber <NUM>. The first chamber <NUM> includes a first liquid port <NUM> for liquid connection to the environment. Connection to the environment is described in more detail below.

The apparatus <NUM> also includes a second chamber <NUM> integrally formed with the first chamber <NUM> and includes a second liquid port <NUM> for liquid connection to the environment.

The apparatus <NUM> also includes a level sensor <NUM> for measuring a first level of liquid in the first chamber <NUM>.

The apparatus <NUM> further includes at least one adjuster <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> for adjusting a second level of liquid in the second chamber <NUM>.

The apparatus <NUM> may be advantageous.

In prior art apparatus having only one chamber a level sensor and adjuster are both in the same chamber. With such an arrangement, when the liquid level in the chamber is adjusted, for example increased, the level sensor senses an increase in liquid level soon after the level of liquid is increased within the chamber.

As has been appreciated by the inventors of the present disclosure, the level of liquid within the chamber increases before the level of liquid within the environment, consequently, the measured level of liquid is greater than the level of liquid within the environment during the addition of liquid.

As a result of (possibly incorrectly) measuring an increased level of liquid, increasing (adjustment) of the level of liquid in the chamber may be ceased. Upon ceasing of increasing the level of liquid within the prior art chamber, the level of liquid in the chamber and the environment equilibrates.

Once the level of liquid has equilibrated, the sensed level may be lower and adjustment may need to be resumed. This results in intermittent adjustment of the level of liquid within the chamber and consequently within the environment. As a result of this intermittent adjustment, the adjustment of the level of liquid within the environment may be slower than desired. However, in use of the apparatus <NUM>, the liquid level within the first chamber <NUM> is in constant near equilibrium with the level of liquid in the environment even when the level of liquid within the second chamber <NUM> is being adjusted. The apparatus <NUM> may be able to operate in this way because liquid flow between the first chamber <NUM> and the second chamber <NUM> within the apparatus <NUM> is prevented (i.e. liquid can only flow between the first chamber <NUM> and the second chamber <NUM> via the environment). This means that the first chamber <NUM> may be effectively isolated from the second chamber <NUM>. Isolating the first chamber <NUM> from the second chamber <NUM> in this way means that the first chamber <NUM> may be in constant near equilibrium with the environment thereby providing an accurate indication of the liquid level in the environment.

Consequently, it may be possible to adjust the level of liquid in the environment whilst simultaneously monitoring the level of liquid in the environment using the apparatus <NUM>.

It may be advantageous to adjust the level of liquid in the environment. In particular, the environment may include plants or animals and the liquid may be water. Water may be required to nourish the environment and encourage healthy growth of the plants or animals. Some environments may not have access to the water necessary for nourishment. Conversely, an environment may have too much water suitable for an environment. An unsuitable amount of water in an environment may have detrimental effects to the environment. In other applications other liquids may be used and there may be other reasons for adjusting the level of liquid, as will be apparent to the skilled person.

The apparatus <NUM> may provide a more accurate way to monitor and adjust a level of liquid in an environment.

Additionally, the apparatus <NUM> can provide a self-contained system which enables both the measurement of a level of liquid within an environment and also the adjustment of the level of liquid within that same environment.

Further, the apparatus <NUM> can be assembled away from the environment and then subsequently positioned within a working distance of the environment. In this way, an easy to install apparatus can be provided.

Yet further, the apparatus <NUM> may be compact and self-contained. In this way, an advantageous apparatus can be provided.

As shown, the adjuster <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> of the apparatus <NUM> may include a liquid supply <NUM>. The liquid supply <NUM> may be pressurised or unpressurised. For example, the liquid supply <NUM> may be a pressurised mains liquid supply. In the case where the liquid supply <NUM> is a pressurised supply it may be enough for the adjuster to include solely a valve <NUM>. Of course, a valve <NUM> may be used in combination with other features to make up the or a adjuster. A possible advantage to using a pressurised liquid supply <NUM> and a valve <NUM> is that a simple and economic means of adjusting the supply can be provided.

The liquid supply <NUM> may be a re-use liquid supply. The re-use liquid supply may include a remote storage tank (not shown). The re-use liquid supply may store liquid transferred from the second chamber <NUM> when the second liquid level is higher than desired. Liquid in the re-use storage tank may be used for adjusting the second liquid level in the second storage chamber <NUM>. In particular, liquid stored in the re-use storage tank may be used as the liquid supply <NUM> or liquid from the chamber may be transferred to the re-use storage supply.

This may be advantageous as it can provide a green and economic means of recycling liquid.

The adjuster <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> of the apparatus <NUM> may include a pump <NUM>. The pump <NUM> may transfer liquid out of the second chamber <NUM>. The pump <NUM> may transfer liquid by pumping. Liquid in the second chamber <NUM> may be transferred to a further port <NUM> and/or an overflow port <NUM>. The further port <NUM> and/or an overflow port <NUM> may be included in the second chamber <NUM>.

The further port <NUM> may be an input or output port. The further port <NUM> may be in the second chamber <NUM>. The further port <NUM> may be, for example, an input port for liquid connection of the second chamber <NUM> with a re-use storage tank, e.g. via a conduit.

The overflow port <NUM> may be a port in a wall of the second chamber <NUM>. The overflow port <NUM> may extend into the second chamber <NUM>. Further, the overflow port <NUM> may firstly extend away from an internal wall of the second chamber <NUM>, then in a vertical direction.

This may have the advantage that a level within the second chamber <NUM> may be defined at which an overflow level threshold is set. For example, the opening to the overflow port <NUM> may be included at an optimum liquid level for the adjuster. Likewise, the opening for the overflow port <NUM> may be at a level that corresponds to a threshold related to a maximum desired liquid in the environment.

The adjuster <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may also include a pump <NUM> for transferring liquid into the second chamber <NUM>. This may be from an external liquid supply <NUM>. An example including the pump <NUM> with the external liquid supply <NUM> may be suitable when using an unpressurised liquid source, such as the re-use storage tank.

The adjuster <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may include a liquid conduit. The liquid conduit may liquidly connect the or an adjuster to an external liquid supply.

The adjuster <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may include a flow meter <NUM> and/or the valve <NUM>.

It may be advantageous to include the flow meter <NUM> with the adjuster <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>.

The flow meter <NUM> may be used to track the amount of liquid entering and/or exiting the second chamber <NUM>. As such, when used in combination with the valve <NUM>, a defined amount of liquid may be added or removed from the second chamber <NUM>.

At least two of the flow meter <NUM> and/or valve <NUM> and/or adjuster <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may be in liquid connection with each other. The flow meter <NUM> may precede the valve <NUM> with respect to the direction of flow. Further, the valve may precede the adjuster <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> with respect to the direction of flow.

Liquid connection of the at least two of the flow meter <NUM> and/or valve <NUM> and/or adjuster <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may be achieved through a chamber conduit <NUM>, for example, a pipe. A portion of the chamber conduit <NUM> may extend in a level plane substantially parallel to the surface of the Earth.

It may be advantageous to include the flow meter <NUM> and/or valve <NUM> on a level plane of the chamber conduit <NUM>.

It may be further advantageous to include the flow meter <NUM> and/or valve <NUM> at a distal end of the portion of chamber conduit <NUM> with respect to the direction of flow. It will be appreciated that a level settlement period for the liquid through the chamber conduit <NUM> is advantageous in order to gain a more accurate measurement of flow rate from the flow meter <NUM>. This is so as some flow meters <NUM> function more accurately if the flow before and after the flow meter is straight as opposed to curved or bent.

The adjuster <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may include a stop valve at a point of entry or exit into or out of the second chamber <NUM>.

The level sensor <NUM> may be in the first chamber <NUM>. The level sensor <NUM> may transmit a signal out of the first chamber <NUM>. The level sensor <NUM> may be remote from the first chamber <NUM> but have a sensing range extending to the first chamber <NUM>.

The level sensor <NUM> may be or include a pressure transducer. A pressure transducer may be preferred as it is a relatively economic type of sensor. The level sensor <NUM> may be submerged under the first liquid level in the first chamber <NUM>, and convert a liquid pressure into an electrical signal.

The level sensor <NUM> may be an ultrasonic sensor. A signal may be sent from the level sensor <NUM> to a surface of the liquid in the first chamber and a distance calculated based on a return signal. It is appreciated that sonar methods may be included in the level sensor <NUM>, and that it may be either submerged or positioned above the first liquid level in the first chamber <NUM>. Further examples of a level sensor <NUM> may include a float sensor, an optical sensor, a capacitance sensor, a RADAR sensor, a LIDAR or LADAR sensor, a magnetic sensor, an electrical conductivity sensor, an electrical resistance sensor, and/or an acoustic sensor.

As shown, the apparatus <NUM> may further include a controller <NUM>. The controller <NUM> may be configured to receive data from the level sensor <NUM> and/or flow meter <NUM>. The controller <NUM> may convert level sensor <NUM> and/or flow meter <NUM> data into a processable format suitable for analysis.

It may be advantageous to analyse the level sensor <NUM> and/or flow meter <NUM> data to analyse trends in the environment liquid level and the amount of liquid being added or removed to or from the second chamber <NUM>.

The controller <NUM> may be configured to transmit and/or receive data to or from the adjuster <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. Further, the controller <NUM> may transmit an instruction to the adjuster <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> for the adjuster <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> to perform a function.

The controller <NUM> may decide the sequence of operations carried out by the adjuster <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. This may be based on the level sensor <NUM> and/or flow meter <NUM> data. The controller <NUM> may be used to automate the adjuster <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>.

The controller may be configured to transmit and/or receive data to or from a remote device (not shown). The remote device may be, for example, a computer device or a portable computer device (e.g. a mobile phone optionally including a specialist app). Instructions may be sent to the controller <NUM> from the remote device in order to execute an operation of the adjuster <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> or desired characteristics. The desired characteristics may, for example, be a level of liquid in the environment.

Additionally, data processed by the controller <NUM> from the level sensor <NUM> and/or flow meter <NUM> may be transmitted to the remote device from the controller <NUM>. Data may include a current first level of liquid in the first chamber <NUM>, and thus the environment. Other data may include the amount of liquid added to the second chamber <NUM> from the liquid supply <NUM> over a period of time. Other data may also include the amount of liquid removed from the second chamber <NUM> with the pump <NUM> over a period of time.

It may be advantageous to track the level of liquid in the environment over a period of time.

The first chamber <NUM> may be within the second chamber <NUM>. This may include the first chamber <NUM> being integrated with, a portion of, or coupled with the second chamber <NUM>. The first chamber <NUM> may be enclosed within the second chamber <NUM>. The first liquid port <NUM> may extend through a portion of the second chamber <NUM>.

It may be advantageous to include the first chamber <NUM> within the second chamber <NUM> to provide suitable placement for the overflow port <NUM>.

The apparatus <NUM> may include two pumps <NUM>, <NUM>. At least one of the pumps <NUM> may be for pumping liquid into the second chamber <NUM>. At least one of the pumps <NUM> may be for pumping liquid out of the second chamber <NUM>.

The same pump <NUM> may transfer liquid in and/or out of the second chamber <NUM>. For example, a valve arrangement may be provided that enables liquid to be taken from the second chamber and expelled, and allows liquid to be taken from another source and the second chamber to be filled. Further, the pump <NUM> may include an inlet and an outlet. The pump <NUM> may be a bi-directional pump. The pump <NUM> may include a single liquid inlet and multiple liquid outlets. The pump <NUM> may include multiple liquid inlets, for example from the re-use-liquid supply and an unpressurised source, and a single liquid outlet. It will, therefore, be appreciated that the pump <NUM> may include multiple liquid inlets and multiple liquid outlets.

It may be advantageous to include a single pump in the second chamber <NUM> to reduce the footprint of the pump <NUM> in the second chamber <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the second chamber <NUM> may be within the first chamber <NUM>, and the level sensor <NUM>, the liquid supply <NUM>, and the valve <NUM> included in the outer first chamber <NUM>. The apparatus <NUM> may remain in liquid connection with the environment <NUM>.

The adjuster may be within the first chamber <NUM> and/or second chamber <NUM>. The adjuster may be confined in the first chamber <NUM> and/or second chamber <NUM>. The adjuster may be above the first chamber <NUM> and/or second chamber <NUM>.

Providing the adjuster within the first chamber <NUM> and/or second chamber <NUM> may be advantageous so to provide rapid adjustment of the liquid level. Further, easier installation of the apparatus <NUM> may be achieved and the adjuster may be protected by the first and/or second chambers <NUM>, <NUM>.

Now referring to <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>, the first chamber <NUM>, <NUM> includes a first port <NUM>, <NUM> liquidly connected to the environment <NUM>, <NUM>. The first port <NUM>, <NUM> may be an inlet or outlet for adding or removing liquid to or from the first chamber <NUM>, <NUM>. Further, the first port <NUM>, <NUM> may be in liquid connection with the environment <NUM>, <NUM> via a first connecting conduit <NUM>, <NUM>. The first connecting conduit <NUM>, <NUM> may be, for example, a pipe.

Additionally, the second chamber <NUM>, <NUM> may include a second port <NUM>, <NUM> in liquid connection with the environment <NUM>, <NUM>. The second port <NUM>, <NUM> may be an inlet or outlet for adding or removing liquid to or from the second chamber <NUM>, <NUM>. Further, the second port <NUM>, <NUM> may be in liquid connection with the environment <NUM>, <NUM> via a second connecting conduit <NUM>, <NUM>. The second connecting conduit <NUM>, <NUM> may be, for example, a pipe.

A method for measuring and controlling a level of liquid in an environment is also provided.

A step of the method for measuring and controlling a level of liquid in an environment is determining a first level of liquid in a first chamber <NUM>.

Determining the first level of liquid may include visual inspection of the first level of liquid. Further, determining the first level of liquid may include a marker for measuring the first level of liquid relative to the marker. Of course, it is appreciated that multiple markers may be used along a depth of the first chamber.

Determining the first level of liquid in the first chamber <NUM> may include electronically sensing the first level of liquid in the first chamber <NUM>.

The first level of liquid in the first chamber <NUM> is generally in equilibrium with the level of liquid in the environment. This may be achieved by preventing flow of liquid between the first chamber <NUM> and the second chamber <NUM> within the apparatus <NUM> such that the first level of liquid is representative of the level of liquid in the environment. Inspection of the first level of liquid in the first chamber <NUM>, therefore, indirectly corresponds to inspection of the level of liquid in the environment. Advantages of measuring the liquid level in the environment are discussed above.

Another step of the method for measuring and controlling a level of liquid in an environment is adjusting a second level of liquid in a second chamber <NUM>. Adjusting the second level of liquid in the second chamber <NUM> may be performed with an adjuster <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> as explained above.

The second chamber <NUM> is integrally formed with the first chamber <NUM> as explained above, and the second chamber <NUM> includes a second port <NUM> in liquid connection with the environment.

It will be appreciated from the explanation above that, by adjusting the second level of liquid in the second chamber <NUM>, the liquid level in the environment may be adjusted.

The second level of liquid may be adjusted by adding or removing liquid to or from the second chamber <NUM>. Adding liquid to the second chamber <NUM> may raise the second level of liquid in the second chamber <NUM>. This results in liquid in the second chamber <NUM> flowing to the environment. Further, liquid may flow from the second chamber <NUM>, through the second liquid port <NUM>, via a second connecting liquid conduit <NUM>, to the environment. Removing liquid from the second chamber <NUM> may reduce the level of liquid in the second chamber <NUM>. When the liquid level in the second chamber <NUM> is lower than that of the environment, liquid in the environment flows to the second chamber <NUM>. Advantages of this method are discussed above in relation to the described apparatus.

The adjustment of the second level of liquid may be measured. This may include measuring the amount of liquid added or removed. Measuring may be performed using the apparatus <NUM> included above.

The amount of added or removed liquid to or from the second chamber <NUM> may be controlled by actuating a valve <NUM> and/or pump <NUM>. Actuating the valve <NUM> and/or pump <NUM> may be though manual or automatic methods. Automatic methods may include an electrical system and/or computer.

Adjusting the second level of liquid in the second chamber <NUM> may include transferring liquid in and/or out of the second chamber <NUM>. Transferring may include pumping liquid in and/or out of the second chamber <NUM>. Transferring of liquid in and/or out of the second chamber <NUM> may occur concurrently or individually. Likewise, it will be appreciated that adjusting the second level of liquid in the second chamber <NUM> may also include transferring liquid in and/or out of the environment.

Data may be received by a controller <NUM> from the electronic sensing of the first level of liquid in the first chamber <NUM>. The data received may include an analogue or digital signal indicative of the level of liquid in the first chamber <NUM>. Data may be processed by the controller <NUM>.

Data may also be received by the controller <NUM> from a remote device (not shown). Data received from the remote device may include a request for level sensor <NUM> data and/or flow meter <NUM> data. Data received from the remote device may also include instructional data. The controller <NUM> may organise and/or prioritise data.

Data may be transmitted from the controller <NUM> to an actuator to instruct, permit or prevent adding or removing of liquid to or from the second chamber <NUM>. This may include transmitting the same instructional data received from the remote device. The controller <NUM> may also transmit instructions simultaneously or individually.

The controller may receive a signal from the level sensor <NUM> indicative of the level of liquid in the first chamber <NUM>. Data may then be processed by the controller <NUM>. The controller <NUM> may then transmit an instruction to the actuator to instruct, permit or prevent adding or removing of liquid to or from the second chamber <NUM> based on the level of liquid in the first chamber <NUM>.

The controller <NUM> may transmit data to a remote device. This may be transmitted wirelessly or via a wired connection. Examples of data transmitted from the controller <NUM> to the remote device may include processed level sensor <NUM> data and/or flow meter <NUM> data. Additionally, data may be transmitted to the remote device indicating operation of the actuator. This may be a successful or unsuccessful operation. An indication of a malfunction of the controller <NUM>, level sensor <NUM> and/or adjuster <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may be transmitted to the remote device.

A computer program is also provided. The computer program includes instructions which, when the program is executed by a computer, cause the computer to carry out a method described above for measuring and controlling a level of liquid in an environment.

The computer program may be stored on a non-transitory computer-readable medium included in the controller <NUM> and/or remote device. When executed by the controller, the controller may automatically optimise the second level of liquid in the second chamber <NUM> based on the first level of liquid in first chamber <NUM>, for optimal nourishment of the environment.

The apparatus <NUM>, first conduit <NUM> in liquid connection with the first port <NUM> and a first portion of the environment <NUM>, and the second conduit <NUM> in liquid connection with the second port <NUM> and a second portion of the environment <NUM> provide a system for measuring and controlling a level of liquid in an environment.

The first level of liquid in the first chamber <NUM> is in equilibrium with the level of liquid at the first portion of the environment <NUM> as explained above.

The second level of liquid in the second chamber <NUM> may be out of equilibrium with the level of liquid at the second portion of the environment <NUM>, due to continuous adjustment, as explained above.

A portion of the apparatus <NUM> may be above and/or below a ground surface level. The first and second conduits <NUM>, <NUM> may be generally below a ground surface level. The apparatus <NUM>, first conduit <NUM>, and second conduit <NUM> may be below a ground surface level. The first and second conduits <NUM>, <NUM> may be substantially level below a ground surface level.

In any of the above-described embodiments, liquid flow between the first chamber and the second chamber within the apparatus may be prevented by removing excess liquid from the apparatus before mixing of liquid between the first and second chambers can occur.

Removal of excess liquid from the apparatus may be achieved by removing liquid from one or both of the first chamber and the second chamber. Removal of excess liquid may be achieved by pumping using any pump described herein and / or by egress via any further port and / or overflow port described herein. In some embodiments, excess liquid may be removed elsewhere (e.g. at one or more locations in the environment).

Alternatively or additionally, liquid flow between the first chamber and the second chamber within the apparatus may be prevented by providing a physical barrier, such as a wall or other separating part, between the first chamber and the second chamber.

Examples of liquids include water, oil, coolant, fuel, antifreeze, effluent and the like.

Claim 1:
A liquid measurement and control apparatus (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) for measuring and controlling a level of liquid in an environment (<NUM>, <NUM>) including plants or animals, the apparatus including:
a first chamber (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) including a first liquid port (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) for liquid connection with the environment;
a second chamber (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) integrally formed with the first chamber and including a second liquid port (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) for liquid connection with the environment;
a level sensor (<NUM>, <NUM>) for measuring a first level of liquid in the first chamber; and
an adjuster (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) for adjusting a second level of liquid in the second chamber;
said apparatus being characterized in that, in use, the liquid level within the first chamber is in constant near equilibrium with the level of liquid in the environment even when the level of liquid within the second chamber is being adjusted.