Classifications

• • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
  • F04—POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
  • F04B—POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS
  • F04B49/00—Control, e.g. of pump delivery, or pump pressure of, or safety measures for, machines, pumps, or pumping installations, not otherwise provided for, or of interest apart from, groups F04B1/00 - F04B47/00
  • F04B49/06—Control using electricity
  • F04B49/065—Control using electricity and making use of computers
• • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
  • F04—POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
  • F04B—POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS
  • F04B43/00—Machines, pumps, or pumping installations having flexible working members
  • F04B43/02—Machines, pumps, or pumping installations having flexible working members having plate-like flexible members, e.g. diaphragms

Definitions

• This invention relates to a pump; and more particularly, relates to
• centrifugal pumps that do not provide the needed pressure for sprinklers or drip irrigation.
• these types of known centrifugal pumps also require priming.
• the invention may take the form of a programmable low voltage DC pumping apparatus, configured to transfer fluid from one place to another, including in applications related to cisterns, rain barrels, rainwater harvesting, greenhouses and gardens, including a pump; a watertight housing configured to receive and contain the pump therein so as to be weather resistant; and a watertight integrated programmable timer configured to mount on an outside portion of the watertight housing so as to also be weather resistant.
• the watertight integrated programmable timer may also be configured to:
• the present invention may include one or more of the following features:
• the watertight integrated programmable timer may be configured with a dial or knob, a keyboard or keypad and a graphic user display configured to receive and display the user inputs.
• the dial or knob and buttons of the keyboard or keypad may be configured to allow programming of the pump for runtimes of different lengths and frequencies.
• buttons on the keyboard or keypad may be configured to allow advanced programming with options for different runtimes on different days of the week by pushing two buttons at once.
• the watertight integrated programmable timer may be configured with a printed circuit board (PCB) having at least one memory and computer program code with at least one processor to cause the watertight integrated programmable timer at least to respond to the user inputs and provide the signaling to turn the pump on and off.
• PCB printed circuit board
• the watertight integrated programmable timer may be configured to receive a low voltage signal via a pig tail, including through the use of a detachable 1 10-230 volts AC to DC power supply, or through the use of an external 12 volt battery connected with a cord to the pig tail.
• the watertight integrated programmable timer may be configured with preprogrammed options for selecting some combination of days in a week for turning the pump on for watering.
• the dial or knob may be rotated to select different functions for programming the watertight integrated programmable timer, and the keypad or keyboard includes buttons for pressing to select programming features of the different functions.
• the graphic user display may be configured to display the different functions for programming the watertight integrated programmable timer and the programming features of the different functions, based at least partly on the rotating of the dial or knob and the pressing of the buttons.
• Figure 1 a shows an exploded view of a programmable diaphragm pump, according to some embodiments of the present invention.
• Figure 1 b shows a perspective view of an assembled programmable diaphragm pump consistent with that shown in Figure 1 a.
• Figure 2a shows an exploded view of a programmable diaphragm pump, according to some embodiments of the present invention.
• Figure 2b(i) shows a perspective view of an assembled programmable diaphragm pump consistent with that shown in Figure 2a.
• Figure 2b(ii) shows another perspective view of an assembled programmable diaphragm pump consistent with that shown in Figure 2a.
• Figures 3a to 3v show a dial or knob, a keypad or keyboard and a display that form part of a timer of such a programmable diaphragm pump shown in Figures 1 a, 1 b, 2a, 2b(i) and 2b(ii) and associated programming functionality of, e.g., a cistern pump user interface (Ul) for various functions that may be implemented by a user in order to program the timer so as to operate a pump for selectively pumping water from such a cistern.
• a cistern pump user interface User
• Figure 4 shows a block diagram of a main PCB, including a combination of memory and a signal processor, according to some embodiments of the present invention.
• the present invention may take the form of apparatus generally indicated as 10, such as a programmable low voltage DC pumping apparatus, configured to transfer fluid (e.g. water) from one place to another, including in applications related to cisterns, rain barrels, rainwater harvesting, greenhouses and gardens.
• fluid e.g. water
• the programmable low voltage DC pumping apparatus 10 may include a pump 12 (e.g., a diaphragm pump); a watertight housing 14a, 14b configured to receive and contain the pump 12 therein so as to be weather resistant; and a watertight integrated programmable timer generally indicated as 1 6 configured to mount on an outside portion of the watertight housing 14a, 14b so as to also be weather resistant.
• a pump 12 e.g., a diaphragm pump
• a watertight housing 14a, 14b configured to receive and contain the pump 12 therein so as to be weather resistant
• a watertight integrated programmable timer generally indicated as 1 6 configured to mount on an outside portion of the watertight housing 14a, 14b so as to also be weather resistant.
• the watertight housing 14a, 14b may be configured with a housing base 14a and a housing cover 14b, as well as a base gasket 14c and a cover gasket 14d for providing suitable watertight sealing between the housing base 14a and the housing cover 14b.
• the watertight integrated programmable timer 1 6 may be configured to:
• the watertight integrated programmable timer 1 6 may be configured with a dial or knob 16a, a keyboard or key pad 16b with three buttons (as shown) and a graphic user display 16c (e.g., a liquid crystal display (LCD)) configured to receive and provide the one or more user inputs to either a main printed circuit board (PCB) 16d and/or a dial or knob PCB 1 6e, as well as to display the one or more user inputs.
• a graphic user display 16c e.g., a liquid crystal display (LCD)
• the one or more inputs from the keyboard or key pad 1 6b are received by the main PCB 16d, and the one or more inputs from the dial or knob 1 6a are received by the dial or knob PCB 16e, and subsequently provided to the main PCB 16d.
• the dial or knob 16a and the buttons of the keyboard or keypad 16b may be configured to allow programming of runtimes of the pump 1 2 for different lengths and frequencies.
• the buttons on the keyboard or keypad 16b may also be configured to allow advanced programming with options for different runtimes on different days of the week, e.g., by pushing two buttons of the keyboard or keypad 16b at once.
• the main printed circuit board (PCB) 1 6d may be configured with at least one memory 16d(i) and computer program code and with at least one processor 16d(ii) (See Figure 4) to cause the programmable timer 16 at least to respond to the one or more user inputs and provide the signaling to turn the pump 12 on and off, based at least partly on the programming of runtimes by the user, consistent with that set forth herein.
• the main PCB 16d and the pump 12 may be coupled together with wiring (not shown) to provide the signaling.
• Main PCBs like element 16d configured for receiving inputs from such a keyboard or keypad like 14b are known in the art, and the scope of the invention is not intended to be limited to any particular type or kind thereof either now known or later developed in the future.
• the dial or knob PCB 16e may also be configured with at least one associated memory (not shown) and associated computer program code and with at least one associated processor (not shown) to cause the programmable time 16 at least to respond to the one or more user inputs from the dial or knob 1 6a and/or an associated dial stem 16a(i) and provide associated signaling containing information about one or more associated user inputs from the dial or knob PCB 1 6e to the main PCB 16d via a ribbon cable 16e(i), e.g., for further processing.
• a ribbon cable 16e(i) e.g., for further processing.
• Embodiments are envisioned, and the scope of the present invention is intended to include, the main PCB 1 6d and the dial or knob PCB 16e being implemented as one integrated PCB.
• Dial or knob PCBs like element 16e configured for receiving inputs from such a dial or knob like 16a and/or such an associated dial stem like 1 6a(i) are known in the art, and the scope of the invention is not intended to be limited to any particular type or kind thereof either now known or later developed in the future.
• the watertight integrated programmable timer 1 6 may be configured to receive a low voltage signal via a pig tail 18, including through the use of a detachable 1 10-230 volts AC to DC power supply 20, as shown, or through the use of an external 12 volt battery (not shown) connected with a cord to the pig tail 18.
• the watertight integrated programmable timer 1 6 may be configured with an LCD bezel 1 6f for covering the graphic user display 16c, and an electronic cover 16g for providing a watertight sealing for the keyboard or keypad 16b, the graphic user display 16c and the main PCB 16d in relation to the housing cover 14b.
• the main PCB 16d may also be configured with dome switches 16d(iii) for cooperating with the button of the keyboard or keypad 1 6b, as well as a suitable zebra switch
• FIG. 1 a and 1 b all major components (e.g., except the power supply) may be neatly housed within the weather tight plastic enclosure 14a, 14b.
• Components such as the pump 12, a pump inlet or port 12a, a strainer assembly generally indicated as 30, a pump outlet or port 32 (e.g., including a male coupling 32a), the power supply like 20 are all designed to be removable and replaceable.
• Figures 1 and 2 shows the visual placement of these major components and general appearance of the unit or apparatus 10 as a whole.
• the power functionality may be configured as follows:
• • 12 volt direct current may be supplied to the unit or apparatus 10 through the use of a detachable 1 1 0-230 volts alternating current outdoor grade "brick" style power supply like element 20.
• Power can also be supplied to the unit or apparatus 10 through the use of an external battery (not shown) connected with a cord to the unit's "pig tail" 18.
• programming/timer/display functionality may be configured as follows:
• the user may program the integrated timer 1 6 through the use of the dial or knob 16a, the elastomeric keypad 1 6b, and the LCD display 16c.
• the dial or knob 16a and the buttons of the elastomeric keypad 1 6b allow for simple programming of runtimes of different lengths and frequencies.
• the different runtime lengths may be measured in some combination of minutes, hours, days, weeks.
• the different runtime frequencies may be measured in runtime being different for different days, different for different times of the day, different for i o different weeks, etc.
• a more advanced programming menu with options such as different runtimes on different days of the week may be accessed, e.g., by pushing two of the buttons at once.
• the programmable timer 1 6 may be configured and programmed to that the 15 user can also manually turn the pump 1 2 on and off as well as set a delay to the automatic programming if desired.
• the unit or apparatus 10 may also be configured to receive and contain an auxiliary battery (not shown), which may be housed in a watertight removable tray 40, provides power to maintain the settings when grid power is unavailable (i.e.
• hydraulics functionality may be configured as follows:
• the diaphragm pump 1 2 is configured to operate by sucking water up in through the strainer assembly 30 on the inlet or port 12a and filter and expelling it through the pump outlet or port 32.
• the strainer assembly 30 on the inlet 12a may be configured with a snap-on female coupling 30a that may have a different thread to match each major hose option in different commercial markets (e.g., the U.S., Europe, etc.)
• the pump outlet or port 32 may be configured with a molded-in male coupling 32a specific for each market and a valve 32b to prevent siphoning of fluid through the pump 1 2.
• the strainer assembly 30 may be configured with a strainer base 30b, a screen 30c and a strainer cover 30d in order to filter out debris in the water thereby protecting the pump 12.
• the strainer cover 30d may, e.g., be clear and easily removable for cleaning.
• the strainer base 30b may be designed to connect directly to the pump input or port 12a.
• the pump 12 may be configured to provide, e.g., up to 50 psi. If pressures greater than that are reached, a pressure switch may be implemented and configured to turn off the pump 1 2.
• a wall mount (e.g., metal or other material) 50 may be configured to allow a consumer to mount the unit or apparatus 10 to a wall or other surface (not shown) in a secure but removable manner, in accordance with the present invention provided.
• FIG. 2a, 2b Figures 2a, 2b(i) and 2b(ii) show a programmable diaphragm pump generally indicated as 1 1 0, according to some embodiments of the present invention. Similar parts of the programmable diaphragm pump 1 10 shown in Figures 2a, 2b(i) and 2b(ii) are labeled with similar reference numbers as the programmable diaphragm pump 10 shown in Figures 1 a, 1 b with the addition of 100. Moreover, the
• programmable diaphragm pump 1 10 shown in Figures 2a, 2b(i) and 2b(ii) is also disclosed in patent application serial no. 29/429,1 14, filed 7 August 2012, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
• the main difference between the programmable diaphragm pump 1 1 0 shown in Figures 2a, 2b(i) and 2b(ii) and the programmable diaphragm pump 10 shown in Figures 1 a, 1 b includes an inlet strainer assembly generally indicated as 1 30, which includes a combination or arrangement having a hose connection 1 30a, a filter screen 130c, a filter cover 130d, an inlet elbow 1 30a' and a filter hose 130a", and also includes an outlet strainer assembly 1 60, which includes a combination or arrangement of an outlet elbow with an anti-siphon valve.
• the inlet strainer assembly 130 allows the user to attach, e.g., a standard garden, to the hose connection 130a, which is extended further away from the housing components 1 14a, 1 14b that the assembly 30 shown in Figures 1 a, 1 b.
• the programmable diaphragm pump 1 1 0 is also shown to include a sealed electronic assembly with PCB, LCD and keypad 16', consistent with the components of the programmable time 16 in Figure 1 a.
• the programmable diaphragm pump 1 1 0 is shown to include a pressure switch 1 50, the functionality of which is described in relation to the programmable diaphragm pump shown in Figures 1 a, 1 b.
• the programmable diaphragm pump 1 1 0 is also shown with inlet and outlet elbow clips 133a and 133b for retaining the inlet and outlet elbows in relation to the housing sides, such as element 1 14c.
• the programmable diaphragm pump 1 1 0 is also shown to include a dial knob to PCB linkage assembly 1 16(i), part of which is shown as dial stem 16(i) in Figure 1 a
• Figures 3a to 3v The Cistern Pump User Interface (Ul)
• Figures 3a to 3v show the dial or knob 16a, the keypad or keyboard 16b and the display 16c and the programming functionality of, e.g., a cistern pump user interface (Ul) for various functions that may be implemented by a user in order to program the timer 16 so as to operate the pump 12.
• a cistern pump user interface Ul
• the dial or knob 1 6a may be configured to rotate (clockwise and/or counterclockwise) in relation to a dial setting arrow A in order to implement six functions, including a program off function 16a(i), a how often function 16a(ii), a run time function 16a(iii), a start time function 1 6a(iv), a clock set function 1 6a(v) and a program on function 16a(vi). So as not to clutter Figures 3b to 3v, the reference labels 1 6a(i) through 16a(vi) have been omitted.
• FIG. 3a Cistern Pump U l, Function: Reset
• Figure 3a shows the programming functionality of the cistern pump user interface (Ul) for the function: reset, that may be implemented by a user, consistent with the following instructions:
• the timer 16 has now been reset.
• Cistern Pump U l, State Program Off Figure 3b shows the programming functionality of the cistern pump user interface (Ul) for the state program off that may be implemented by a user, consistent with the following instructions:
• the USER can still turn on the pump 12 by pressing a PUMP ON/OFF button.
• the timer 16 is now in the program state off.
• Cistern Pump U l, State Program On - Pump Off Figure 3c shows the programming functionality of the cistern pump user interface (Ul) for the state program on - pump off that may be implemented by a user, consistent with the following instructions:
• Timer 16 waters according to programmed time, duration, and frequency set by the USER.
• the dial 16a must be turned to PROGRAM ON for any settings to run Basic or Advanced programming functionality.
• Cistern Pump U l, Function Manual Watering - Turning Pump On Figure 3d shows the programming functionality of the cistern pump user interface (Ul) for the function: manual watering - turning pump on that may be implemented by a user, consistent with the following instructions: During any State, the USER can do Manual Watering by pressing the PUMP ON/OFF button (shown with a darkened circle).
• the dial 16a can be in any position, and the USER can manually turn on/off the pump 1 2. See “MAN RUN: indication on the LCD 16c.
• the PUMP 12 will turn ON immediately with no delay.
• the LCD 1 6c will display 20 MINUTES (as shown) blinking on/off, e.g., in about 1 second intervals, and USER can adjust Manual RUN TIME by pressing the + and - buttons. Holding either buttons moves the time quickly.
• Manual RUN TIME can be adjusted, e.g., from 1 to 60 MINUTES.
• the Timer 16 will lock in MANUAL WATERING time after, e.g., about 10 seconds of inactivity by the USER.
• Figure 3e Cistern Pump U l, State: Manual Watering (Pump On)
• Figure 3e shows the programming functionality of the cistern pump user interface (Ul) for the state: manual watering (pump on) that may be implemented by a user, consistent with the following instructions:
• the LCD 1 6c alternates between the current Time/Clock and the RUN TIME, e.g., changing about every 2 seconds.
• the RUN TIME on the LCD 16c will show actual remaining time before the pump 12 will turn off.
• the FLOW SYMBOL (as shown) is displayed when Pump 12 is ON. To CANCEL this state, the USER can press the PUMP ON/OFF button again.
• Figure 3f Cistern Pump U l, Function: Delay (Program on State)
• Figure 3f shows the programming functionality of the cistern pump user interface (Ul) for the function: delay (program on state) that may be implemented by a user, consistent with the following instructions:
• the LCD 16c will show the selected Setting (BASIC (as shown) or ADV).
• the USER can DELAY the next watering cycle by pressing the + button. See the darkened circle around the + button and the symbol "DELAY" as shown.
• the LCD 1 6c will display the default DELAY 0 HRS and the 0 will blink on and off, e.g., in about 1 second intervals.
• the USER can use the + and - buttons to choose different DELAY Times.
• the DELAY Times may include, e.g., 0, 6, 12 HRS and 1 , 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 DAYS. See the LCD 16c (left side) indicating DELAY 1 :00 PM" and the
• the timer 16 will go into a DELAY State, e.g., after about 5 seconds of inactivity by the USER.
• Figure 3g shows the programming functionality of the cistern pump user interface (Ul) for the state: Delay (Program on state) that may be implemented by a user, consistent with the following instructions:
• the LCD 16c While in the PROGRAM ON State, the LCD 16c will display the selected setting (BASIC, ADV).
• the timer 16 will not turn on the pump 12 for a DELAY Time chosen, (e.g., 0, 6, 12 HRS, 1 , 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 DAYS).
• the LCD 1 6c alternates between displaying a current Time/Clock and a DELAY Time, e.g., about every 2 seconds.
• the USER can Cancel this State by turning the Dial 16a to PROGRAM OFF 16a(i), see Figure 3a, and then turn the Dial back to PROGRAM ON 16a(ii), see Figure 3a, or by setting DELAY time back to 0 HRS.
• Cistern Pump U l, Setting: Set Clock Figure 3h shows the programming functionality of the cistern pump user interface (Ul) for the setting: Set clock that may be implemented by a user, consistent with the following instructions:
• the LCD 1 6c will show the current time based on the last set time or if the unit has been RESET (see Figure 3a description) it will show the Default 12:00PM. On the LCD 16c, the time is blinking on and off, e.g., in about 1 second intervals.
• the USER uses the + and - buttons to change the Time.
• the USER After e.g. about 5 seconds of inactivity, the USER will have the option to set the current Day of the Week (required for ADV settings only).
• FIG. 3i Cistern Pump Ul, Setting: Setting Day of the Week
• Figure 3i shows the programming functionality of the cistern pump user interface (Ul) for the setting: setting day of the week that may be implemented by a user, consistent with the following instructions:
• the USER After the USER Sets the CLOCK, if they wait e.g. about 5 seconds without any activity the time will be set and stop flashing. Next the Days of the week will flash on and off, e.g., in about 1 second intervals.
• the USER will use the + and - buttons to cycle through the days of the week.
• Hitting the + button will select Monday and the Mo segment will not flash while the other days continue to flash on and off, e.g., in about 1 second intervals. Pressing the + button will select Tuesday and the Tu in the same fashion and Mo, We, Th, Fr, Sa and Su segments will be flashing.
• the USER sets the Day of the Week by turning the dial 16a to any other position.
• Figure 3j Cistern Pump Ul, Basic Setting: Start Time
• Figure 3j shows the programming functionality of the cistern pump user interface (Ul) for the basic setting: start time that may be implemented by a user, consistent with the following instructions:
• THE LCD 1 6c shows the last entered START TIME or if the unit 10 has been reset then it shows the default time of 12:00PM.
• the Start Time is blinking on and off, e.g., in about 1 second intervals.
• the USER uses the + and - buttons to change the Start Time.
• Figure 3k shows the programming functionality of the cistern pump user interface (Ul) for the basic setting: run time that may be implemented by a user, consistent with the following instructions:
• the LCD 1 6c shows the last set RUN TIME or if the unit 10 has been reset it shows default 0 MINUTES.
• the RUN TIME is blinking on and off, e.g., in about 1 second intervals.
• the LCD 1 6c also displays the BASIC, RUN and TIME segments.
• the USER uses the + and - buttons to change the RUN TIME. Pressing either button once moves the RUN TIME, up for + and down for - by 1 MINUTE. Holding either buttons moves the RUN TIME more quickly.
• MAX RUN TIME IS 60 MINUTES Figure 3I: Cistern Pump Ul, Basic Setting: Frequency
• Figure 3I shows the programming functionality of the cistern pump user interface (Ul) for the basic setting: frequency that may be implemented by a user, consistent with the following instructions:
• the LCD 1 6a shows the last set Frequency or if the unit has been reset it shows the default EVERY 1 DAYS.
• the Frequency is blinking on and off in 1 sec. intervals.
• the USER uses the + and - buttons to change the Frequency .
• the FREQUENCY can be set, e.g., to the following: 3, 4, 6, 1 2 HRS, 1 ,
• Figure 3m shows the programming functionality of the cistern pump user interface (Ul) for the state BSC program on - pump on that may be implemented by a user, consistent with the following instructions:
• the timer 1 6 will turn the pump 12 ON for the set RUN TIME.
• the LCD 1 6c shows both the current Time/Clock and the RUN TIME.
• the LCD 1 6c switches between the two screens, e.g., about every 2 seconds.
• the RUN TIME on the LCD 16c changes as each Minute ticks off to show the remaining RUN TIME.
• the WATERING SYMBOL (as shown) is displayed when pump 1 2 is
• Figure 3n shows the programming functionality of the cistern pump user interface (Ul) for the state: no power, consistent with the following instructions:
• the microprocessor chip will retain the settings and draw power from an installed button cell battery.
• the LCD 1 6c will display the POWER PLUG symbol (as shown) and it will flash on and off, e.g., in about 2 second intervals.
• the pump 12 will not turn on while on battery power.
• Figure 3o shows the programming functionality of the cistern pump user interface (Ul) for the function: advance mode start that may be implemented by a user, consistent with the following instructions:
• the user first turns the dial 16a to PROGRAM ON 1 6a(vi).
• the ADV icon will flash on an off, e.g., in about 1 second intervals.
• the selected setting will be flashing on and off, e.g., for about 2 second intervals.
• the USER can turn the dial 16a to PROGRAM OFF 16a(i).
• Figure 3p Cistern Pump U l, Setting: Advance Mode Select Days
• Figure 3p shows the programming functionality of the cistern pump user interface (Ul) for the setting: advance mode select days (which includes 1 2 different options as shown) that may be implemented by a user, consistent with the following instructions:
• the LCD 1 6c shows ADV 1 and all days of the week flashing in 1 sec intervals.
• the USER can turn the dial 16a to PROGRAM OFF 16a(i), see Figure 3a.
• the user has selected OPTION 4 - MONDAY (Mo).
• Figure 3q Cistern Pump U l, Setting: Advance - Start Time 1
• Figure 3q shows the programming functionality of the cistern pump user interface (Ul) for the setting: advance - start time 1 that may be implemented by a user, consistent with the following instructions:
• the Selected day(s) will appear on the screen 16c and stop blinking.
• ADV START TIME 1 is flashing, e.g., in about 1 second intervals.
• the LCD 1 6c shows the last entered START TIME 1 or if the unit has been reset then it shows the default 12:00PM.
• the first Start Time is blinking on and off, e.g., in about 1 second intervals.
• the USER uses the + or - Buttons to change the Start Time. Pressing either button once moves the Start Time, up for + and down for - by 1 minute. Holding either buttons moves the Start Time more quickly.
• the USER can turn the dial 16a to PROGRAM OFF 16a(i), see Figure 3a.
• Figure 3r Cistern Pump U l, Setting: Advance - Run Time 1
• Figure 3r shows the programming functionality of the cistern pump user interface (Ul) for the setting: advance - run time 1 that may be implemented by a user, consistent with the following instructions:
• the LCD 1 6c After entering the START TIME 1 , the LCD 1 6c shows ADV RUN TIME 1 flashing in 1 sec. intervals.
• the LCD 1 6c shows the last set RUN TIME 1 or if the unit has been reset it shows default 0 MINUTES.
• the RUN TIME is blinking on and off, e.g., in about 1 second intervals.
• the USER uses the + or - Buttons to change the RUN TIME 1 .
• the USER can turn the dial 16a to PROGRAM OFF 16a(i).
• FIG. 3 shows the programming functionality of the cistern pump user interface (Ul) for the setting: advance - start time 2 that may be implemented by a 5 user, consistent with the following instructions:
• the timer 16 After Entering the RUN TIME 1 , the timer 16 enters the START TIME 2 stage.
• ADV START TIME 2 is flashing, e.g., in about 1 second intervals.
• THE LCD 1 6c shows the last entered START TIME 2 or if the unit has l o been reset then it shows the default 12:00PM.
• the second Start Time is blinking on and off, e.g., in about 1 second intervals.
• the USER uses the + or - Buttons to change the Start Time.
• the USER can turn the dial to PROGRAM OFF 16a(i).
• Figure 3t shows the programming functionality of the cistern pump user interface (Ul) for the setting: advance - run time 2 that may be implemented by a user, consistent with the following instructions: After entering the START TIME 2, the LCD 1 6c shows ADV RUN TIME 2 flashing in 1 sec. intervals.
• the LCD 1 6c shows the last set RUN TIME 2 or if the unit has been reset it shows default 0 MINUTES.
• the RUN TIME is blinking on and off, e.g., in about 1 second intervals.
• the USER uses the + or - Buttons to change the RUN TIME 2.
• the USER can turn the dial 16a to PROGRAM OFF 16a(i).
• FIG. 3u Cistern Pump U l, State: Advance Program On - Pump Off
• Figure 3u shows the programming functionality of the cistern pump user interface (Ul) for the state: advance program on - pump off that may be implemented by a user, consistent with the following instructions:
• the LCD 16c shows ADV 1 and the Current Day of the Week.
• the timer 16 waters according to ADV programmed START DAY & TIME, RUN TIME 1 and RUN TIME 2 set by the USER.
• the LCD 1 6c shows current time (clock).
• Cistern Pump U l, State: Advance Program On - Pump On Figure 3v shows the programming functionality of the cistern pump user interface (Ul) for the state: advance program on - program on that may be implemented by a user, consistent with the following instructions:
• the timer 16 will turn the pump 12 ON for the set RUN TIME (1 or 2).
• the LCD 1 6c shows both the current CLOCK TIME and the RUN
• the LCD also displays the TIME 1 (or 2) segments when the pump is on.
• the LCD 1 6c switches between the two screens, e.g., about every 1 second.
• the RUN TIME on the LCD 16c changes as each Minute ticks off to show the time remaining.
• the WATERING SYMBOL is displayed when Pump 12 is ON. To CANCEL this state, the USER can turn DIAL 16a to PROGRAM OFF 16a(i) or presses the PUMP ON/OFF button to cancel the remainder of the current run.
• PCBs are known in the art, and the scope of the invention is not intended to be limited to any particular type or kind thereof either now known or later developed in the future for implementing the runtime functionality of the present invention.
• the functionality of the main PCB 14, the signal processor 14(H), the dial or knob PCB 1 6e and any associated signal processor may be implemented using hardware, software, firmware, or a combination thereof, although the scope of the invention is not intended to be limited to any particular embodiment thereof.
• the signal processor in a typical software implementation, the signal processor
• 16d(ii) may take the form of one or more microprocessor-based architectures having a processor or microprocessor, a random and/or read only access memory (RAM/ROM), where the RAM/ROM together forming at least part of the memory like element 16(i), input/output devices and control, data and address buses connecting the same.
• RAM/ROM random and/or read only access memory
• microprocessor-based implementation with computer program code to perform the functionality described herein without undue experimentation The scope of the invention is not intended to be limited to any particular implementation using technology either now known or later developed in the future. Moreover, the scope of the invention is intended to include the signal processor being a stand alone module, or in some combination with other circuitry for implementing another module. Moreover still, the scope of the invention is not intended to be limited to any particular type or kind of signal processor used to perform the signal processing functionality, or the manner in which the computer program code is programmed or implemented in order to make the signal processor operate.
• a signal processor like element 14(H) may be configured to respond to one or more user inputs containing information about user programmable timer functionality related to turning the pump on and off on different days of a week and at different times for each day of the week; and provide signaling to turn the pump on and off on the different days of the week and at the different times for each day of the week based at least partly on the one or more user inputs received.
• the signal processing module 1 6d(ii) may include one or more other sub- modules for implementing other functionality that is known in the art, but does not form part of the underlying invention per se, and is not described in detail herein.
• the functionality of the one or more other modules may include the techniques for the provisioning of the signal for activating or deactivating the pump based on certain processing control functionality, including providing the signal automatically, providing the signal after a certain time period, etc., that can depend on a particular application for a particular customer.
• the advantages of the present invention at least include the following:
• the low voltage DC pump 12 is powered by an outdoor grade power supply.
• the pump 12 can be operational with this power supply plugged into a 1 1 0/230 VAC outlet or alternatively use a 1 2 volt DC source.
• the pump 12 is housed in a consumer friendly housing with an integrated programmable timer and an integrated strainer.
• the pump 12 is housed in a package suitable for outdoor garden / landscaped installations both in appearance and its weather resistance.
• the pump design includes diaphragm technology that is capable of delivering 50 psi.
• a pressure switch may also be configured to turn off the pump at pressures greater than 50 psi for safety.
• the diaphragm pump 12 is self priming with run dry capability.
• the pump 12 is also configured to prevent backflow.

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• Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
• General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• Computer Hardware Design (AREA)
• Reciprocating Pumps (AREA)
• Electric Clocks (AREA)

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Publications (2)

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• 2013
  • 2013-01-10 WO PCT/US2013/020988 patent/WO2013106540A2/fr not_active Ceased

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