Modular Irrigation Controller

Abstract

The present invention provides a modular controller that connects to irrigation modules with varying station terminals and a standard footprint size. Additionally, the modular controller includes surge protection options, wireless communication with PDA's and other external devices, no required position for each controller module to be connected, immediate display of station modules on the LCD display, retention of a water program if module is removed, communications module for flow monitoring, a modular transformer, rain sensor receiver within the housing, an improved 9-volt batter holder, and other aspects described in the present application.

1 . An irrigation controller comprising:
 a user interface surface having a plurality of interface elements for programming an irrigation schedule;   a controller housing connected to said user interface surface;   a plurality of irrigation terminals disposed in said controller housing and arranged to selectively supply power to irrigation stations;   a transformer terminal connectable to an indoor transformer and an outdoor transformer; and,   a transformer mounting area disposed within said controller housing; said transformer mounting area removably connectable to an outdoor transformer assembly.   
     
     
         2 . The irrigation controller of  claim 1 , wherein said outdoor transformer assembly comprises a transformer housing. 
     
     
         3 . The irrigation controller of  claim 2 , wherein said transformer housing comprises an internal compartment sized to accept a transformer. 
     
     
         4 . The irrigation controller of  claim 3 , wherein said transformer housing comprises a plurality of mounting members that removably connect said transformer housing to said mounting area. 
     
     
         5 . The irrigation controller of  claim 4 , wherein said transformer housing comprises a removable cover. 
     
     
         6 . The irrigation controller of  claim 5 , wherein said transformer housing further comprises an aperture sized to allow passage of transformer wires to said transformer terminal. 
     
     
         7 . An irrigation controller comprising:
 a user interface in communication with a microprocessor and a memory for programming an irrigation schedule;   a controller housing connected to said user interface, said microprocessor and said memory;   a plurality of irrigation terminals connected to said controller housing and arranged to selectively delivery power to control an irrigation system; and,   a modular transformer assembly removably connectable to a modular transformer assembly mounting area.   
     
     
         8 . The irrigation controller of  claim 7 , wherein said modular transformer assembly comprises a transformer assembly housing and a transformer disposed in said transformer assembly housing. 
     
     
         9 . The irrigation controller of  claim 8 , wherein said modular transformer assembly further comprises a removable cover. 
     
     
         10 . The irrigation controller of  claim 9 , wherein said modular transformer assembly removably includes a plurality of walls forming a footprint for said modular transformer assembly. 
     
     
         11 . The irrigation controller of  claim 10 , wherein said modular transformer assembly includes a wire aperture. 
     
     
         12 . The irrigation controller of  claim 11 , wherein said wire aperture is located near a top of said transformer assembly housing. 
     
     
         13 . The irrigation controller of  claim 12 , wherein said controller housing further comprises a transformer terminal located adjacent said modular transformer assembly mounting area. 
     
     
         14 . The irrigation controller of  claim 13 , wherein said controller housing further comprises a lid disposed over an internal compartment and wherein said user interface is disposed on said lid. 
     
     
         15 . An irrigation controller comprising:
 a user interface in communication with a microprocessor and a memory for programming an irrigation schedule;   a controller housing connected to said user interface, said microprocessor and said memory;   a plurality of irrigation terminals connected to said controller housing and arranged to selectively delivery power to control an irrigation system; and,   a modular transformer assembly removably connectable to a modular transformer assembly mounting area;   wherein said irrigation controller is removably connectable to a modular transformer assembly and an external transformer assembly.   
     
     
         16 . The irrigation controller of  claim 15 , wherein said modular transformer assembly further comprises a transformer assembly housing and an outdoor transformer disposed in said transformer assembly. 
     
     
         17 . The irrigation controller of  claim 16 , wherein said modular transformer assembly removably includes a plurality of walls forming a footprint for said modular transformer assembly. 
     
     
         18 . The irrigation controller of  claim 17 , wherein said modular transformer mounting assembly removably couples to said footprint with a plurality of screws. 
     
     
         19 . The irrigation controller of  claim 18 , wherein said wire aperture is located near a top of said transformer assembly housing. 
     
     
         20 . The irrigation controller of  claim 19 , wherein said controller housing further comprises a transformer terminal located adjacent said modular transformer assembly mounting area.