公开(公告)号：US10306844B1

公开(公告)日：2019-06-04

申请号：US15851955

申请日：2017-12-22

Applicant: Michael R. Levine

Inventor： Michael R. Levine

IPC: A01G25/16 ,  G05B19/042 ,  H04W52/02

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a networked irrigation system include a battery powered networked irrigation controller that communicates with a backend server. The backend server monitor rainfall at the location of the irrigation controllers via third party weather resources. General irrigation is set to commence once every several days, and when rain falls at the location of an irrigation controller, the watering schedule is shifted to ensure that watering does not occur more frequently than desired. The irrigation controller uses a cellular transceiver modem to communicate with the backend server, and since the irrigation controller is battery powered, the cellular transceiver modem is maintained in an off state until just prior to commencing a scheduled watering, when the irrigation controller contacts the backend server.

公开(公告)号：US20180348081A1

公开(公告)日：2018-12-06

申请号：US16001493

申请日：2018-06-06

Applicant: MICHAEL R. LEVINE

Inventor： MICHAEL R. LEVINE

IPC: G01M3/28 ,  G01M3/04

CPC classification number: G01M3/2815 ,  E03B7/003 ,  G01M3/04 ,  G01M3/26 ,  G01M3/2807

Abstract: A sprinkling or irrigation system includes a sprinkler controller that is capable of detecting a leak in one or more zones of the system. The system include a main valve and an adjustable valve in a bypass line around the main valve. The adjustable valve is set to a partially closed state such that a selected on of the zones produces a pressure at a selected proportion of the static pressure provided by the water source such as half the static pressure. A leak is detected when a zone, with the main valve closed and the adjustable valve in the partially closed state, produced a test pressure that is substantially lower than the selected proportion of the static pressure, as modified by a test factor.

公开(公告)号：US10101753B1

公开(公告)日：2018-10-16

申请号：US15297298

申请日：2016-10-19

Applicant: Michael R. Levine

Inventor： Michael R. Levine ,  Luke Dickens

IPC: G05B15/00 ,  G05D7/06 ,  G05B15/02

Abstract: An auxiliary sprinkler controller is used to control sprinkling by selectively enabling or inhibiting operation of a legacy sprinkler controller. The legacy sprinkler controller provides electrical power to a particular zone of several zones during each of a plurality of durations, and multiple durations, “n,” are provided for each zone. As a result, each zone can be watered for any of 2n combinations of the durations for a desired total watering duration.

公开(公告)号：US5701383A

公开(公告)日：1997-12-23

申请号：US388345

申请日：1995-02-14

Applicant: James Russo ,  Michael R. Levine

Inventor： James Russo ,  Michael R. Levine

IPC: G11B19/02 ,  G11B27/034 ,  G11B27/10 ,  G11B27/11 ,  G11B27/28 ,  G11B27/34 ,  H04N5/445 ,  H04N5/781 ,  H04N5/85 ,  H04N5/907 ,  H04N5/937 ,  H04N9/79 ,  H04N9/804 ,  H04N5/76

CPC classification number: H04N5/937 ,  G11B19/02 ,  G11B27/034 ,  G11B27/105 ,  G11B27/11 ,  G11B27/28 ,  G11B27/34 ,  H04N5/445 ,  H04N9/8042 ,  G11B2220/20 ,  G11B2220/2525 ,  G11B2220/61 ,  G11B2220/65 ,  G11B2220/90 ,  G11B27/107 ,  H04N21/47 ,  H04N5/781 ,  H04N5/85 ,  H04N5/907 ,  H04N9/7921 ,  H04N9/8047

Abstract: A video time-shifting system characterized in having a continuous recording track accessed by separate, asychronous read and write facilities enables playback of a video program to commence from any point in the program while continuing to be recorded in real time, thus providing VCR-like program control features such as PAUSE/RESUME, REWIND, and FAST FORWARD. A memory is used to store information relating to various points in the program so that even upon receipt of multiple PAUSE commands, the system automatically keeps track of correct program re-entry. In the preferred embodiment, the storage means takes the form of a continuous recording track in a magnetic disk drive. To prevent discontinuities associated with the recording and reproducing of material representative of the video program, the system preferably incorporates a plurality of write heads, each associated with a different recording track, and the system automatically switches from one write head to another so as to effectively link the different recording tracks into a single, continuous recording track. Although program information may be stored in analog form, digital storage is used in the preferred embodiment along with data compression to increase recording capacity. The system preferably further includes a video display generator to output for viewing on the display device visual indicia relating to the program and, additionally, symbols relating to one or more points in the program and/or the time-shifted version thereof.

Abstract translation: 一种视频时移系统，其特征在于具有通过单独的非同步读和写功能访问的连续记录磁道，使视频节目能够从节目中的任何点开始，同时继续实时记录，从而提供类似VCR 程序控制功能，如PAUSE / RESUME，REWIND和FAST FORWARD。 存储器用于存储与程序中的各个点相关的信息，使得即使在接收到多个PAUSE命令时，系统也自动跟踪正确的程序重新输入。 在优选实施例中，存储装置在磁盘驱动器中采用连续记录轨迹的形式。 为了防止与表示视频节目的材料的记录和再现相关联的不连续性，系统优选地包括多个写入头，每个写头与不同的记录轨道相关联，并且系统自动地从一个写入头切换到另一个写头，以便有效地 将不同的录制轨道链接到单个连续的录制轨道。 虽然程序信息可以以模拟形式存储，但是在优选实施例中使用数字存储器连同数据压缩以增加记录容量。 该系统优选地还包括视频显示发生器，用于输出以在显示设备上观看与节目有关的视觉标记，另外还包括与节目中的一个或多个点和/或其时移版本有关的符号。

公开(公告)号：US5568272A

公开(公告)日：1996-10-22

申请号：US546335

申请日：1995-10-20

Applicant: Michael R. Levine

Inventor： Michael R. Levine

IPC: H04N5/761 ,  H04N5/765 ,  H04N5/782 ,  H04N5/76

CPC classification number: H04N5/765 ,  H04N5/782

Abstract: A system for programming the automatic operation of a video recorder over an extended time period uses an associated television receiver as a display device for alphanumeric messages to the operator to provide a self-explanatory, interactive programming routine. The video recorder system includes a digital memory, a real time digital clock, and an alphanumeric character generator, all connected to a central digital controller. A keypad allows the operator to initiate a programming routine in which previously stored programming messages are called up from memory and generated on the TV receiver's display tube using the character generator. The operator's responses entered via the keypad are stored in the memory and are called up at future times to generate control signals for the video recorder. The video recorder system further includes a memory storing digital data representing a schedule of programming available for a future period. The video system permits this schedule to be recalled and displayed on the TV receiver for review by the user.

公开(公告)号：US5420647A

公开(公告)日：1995-05-30

申请号：US5704

申请日：1993-01-19

Applicant: Michael R. Levine

Inventor： Michael R. Levine

IPC: H04B1/20 ,  H04N5/44 ,  H04N5/765 ,  H04N5/775 ,  H04N7/167 ,  H04N21/4147 ,  H04N21/422 ,  H04N21/436 ,  H04N21/438 ,  H04N5/782

CPC classification number: H04N5/782 ,  H04B1/202 ,  H04N21/4147 ,  H04N21/42204 ,  H04N21/43615 ,  H04N21/43622 ,  H04N21/4383 ,  H04N5/765 ,  H04N5/775 ,  H04N7/167 ,  H04N2005/4423

Abstract: In a television viewing system, a VCR adapted for use with a source of cable TV, a remotely controllable cable box and a remotely controllable TV receiver provides means to determine all channels tunable by the various tuners, including pay channels. A memory disposed within the VCR stores operative control codes for the cable box and TV. The VCR incorporates switches adapted to interconnect the various components in a variety of configurations. The VCR also incorporates an infrared transmitter operative to transmit control signals to the cable box and TV receiver. Upon receipt of user inputs specifying the desired mode of operation, a controller within the VCR adjusts the switching positions to achieve an optimum configuration for the system components to perform user selections options and transmits remote control codes to the cable box and the TV receiver to place them in condition to enable the user command.

Abstract translation: 在电视观看系统中，适用于有线电视源的录像机，可遥控的有线电视盒和可遥控的电视接收机提供了确定由各种调谐器（包括付费频道）可调谐的所有频道的手段。 设置在VCR内的存储器存储有线盒和电视机的操作控制码。 VCR包括适于以各种配置互连各种组件的开关。 录像机还包括一个红外线发射器，用于将控制信号传输到电缆盒和电视接收器。 在接收到指定所需操作模式的用户输入之后，VCR内的控制器调整切换位置，以实现用于系统组件执行用户选择选项的最佳配置，并将遥控代码发送到有线电视盒和电视接收机放置 他们在条件下启用用户命令。

公开(公告)号：US5373330A

公开(公告)日：1994-12-13

申请号：US5726

申请日：1993-01-19

Applicant: Michael R. Levine

Inventor： Michael R. Levine

IPC: H04N5/775 ,  H04N5/782

CPC classification number: H04N5/775 ,  H04N5/7755

Abstract: In a video cassette recorder (VCR) adapted for use in conjunction with a television (TV) receiver, a audio signal generator is used to produce an audio signal in response to key closures made on the VCR's remote unit with the TV speaker being used as an audio output device. In an alternative embodiment, the audio generator is in the form of a speech synthesizer which generates a human-voice message in response to commands entered via the keypad. The main VCR housing may alternatively come equipped with its own speaker, obviating the need to feed the audio signals to the TV.

Abstract translation: 在适于与电视（TV）接收机一起使用的录像机（VCR）中，音频信号发生器用于响应于在VCR的远程单元上进行的关键闭合而产生音频信号，电视扬声器被用作 音频输出设备。 在替代实施例中，音频发生器是语音合成器的形式，其响应于经由键盘输入的命令而产生人声语音消息。 主VCR外壳也可以配备有自己的扬声器，避免了将音频信号馈送到电视机的需要。

公开(公告)号：US5123046A

公开(公告)日：1992-06-16

申请号：US609291

申请日：1990-11-05

Applicant: Michael R. Levine

Inventor： Michael R. Levine

IPC: H04N5/765 ,  H04N7/167

CPC classification number: H04N5/765 ,  H04N7/167

Abstract: A video recorder, adapted to receive descrambled signals from a remotely controllable tuner/descrambler for multi-channel cable or satellite signals for recording or provision to a T.V. receiver, includes a future program memory which may be programmed by an operator to cause the system to record a predetermined channel at a predetermined future time. To ensure that the descrambler is tuned to the proper channel when a signal requiring descrambling is to be recorded, the video recorder is connected to a remote control transmitter which is energized at the time occurrence of a program to be recorded to send a signal to the remote control receiver of the tuner/descrambler causing it to select the appropriate channel for descrambling.

Abstract translation: 一种视频记录器，适用于从用于记录或提供给TV接收机的多声道电缆或卫星信号的可遥控调谐器/解扰器接收解扰信号，包括将来的程序存储器，其可由操作者编程以使系统 在预定的未来时间记录预定频道。 为了确保当要记录需要解扰的信号时，解扰器被调谐到适当的信道，视频记录器被连接到遥控发射机，该遥控发射机在要记录的节目发生时被激励以向 调谐器/解扰器的遥控接收器使其选择适当的解扰频道。

公开(公告)号：US4864513A

公开(公告)日：1989-09-05

申请号：US70440

申请日：1987-07-07

Applicant: Michael R. Levine ,  Victor Rigotti ,  James Russo ,  Nicholas Skogler

Inventor： Michael R. Levine ,  Victor Rigotti ,  James Russo ,  Nicholas Skogler

IPC: G01D5/165 ,  G01R17/20 ,  G01R27/02

CPC classification number: G01D5/165 ,  G01R17/20 ,  G01R27/02

Abstract: The present invention is a technique for forming a signal representing the operator adjustment of a potentiometer. This technique consists of measuring the reference time constant of the resistance between the fixed terminals of the potentiometer and a capacitor, measuring the variable time constant of the resistance of potentiometer between a fixed terminal and the terminal variable by an operator setting and this same capacitor, and again measuring the reference time constant of the resistance between the fixed terminals of the potentiometer and the capacitor. These time constant measurements are made by discharging the capacitor, charging the capacitor through the appropriate terminal of the potentiometer and measuring the time required for the voltage across the capacitor to reach a predetermined threshold level. This measurement sequence is repeated if the two measures of the reference time constant differ by more than a predetermined amount. The digital ratio of the variable time constant and the reference time constant is then calculated. This digital ratio is the representation of the operator adjustment of said potentiometer.

Abstract translation: 本发明是一种用于形成表示电位器的操作者调整的信号的技术。 该技术包括测量电位器固定端子与电容器之间的电阻的参考时间常数，通过操作者设置测量固定端子与端子变量之间的电位器电阻的可变时间常数以及相同的电容器， 并再次测量电位计的固定端子与电容器之间的电阻的参考时间常数。 这些时间常数测量是通过放电电容器，通过电位器的适当端子对电容器充电，并测量电容器两端的电压达到预定阈值电平所需的时间。 如果参考时间常数的两个测量值相差大于预定量，则重复该测量序列。 然后计算可变时间常数和参考时间常数的数字比。 该数字比率是所述电位器的操作者调整的表示。

公开(公告)号：US4730941A

公开(公告)日：1988-03-15

申请号：US894297

申请日：1986-08-07

Applicant: Michael R. Levine ,  James T. Russo ,  Anthony C. Cairo ,  Victor H. Rigotti

Inventor： Michael R. Levine ,  James T. Russo ,  Anthony C. Cairo ,  Victor H. Rigotti

IPC: G05B19/10 ,  G01K7/00 ,  G05D23/19

CPC classification number: G05B19/10 ,  G05B2219/23199

Abstract: The present invention is a control range display for an electronic thermostat. A plurality of individually actuable display segments are disposed in a line. Each of these display segments represents a particular temperature. The control range of the electronic thermostat is displayed by actuating the display segments representing the upper and lower preselected temperatures and all display segments therebetween. In the preferred embodiment each of these display segments is a liquid crystal display device. The preferred embodiment enables indication of the present temperature by actuation of a single display segment representing that temperature upon selection of a normal mode and an indication of the control temperature range by actuating display segments in the manner noted above upon selection of a program mode. The preferred embodiment further includes a removable mask containing a temperature scale indicia marked in a preselected geared measurement which can be disposed beside the line of display segments of the display means, thereby indicating the particular temperature represented by each display segment in the preselected unit of measurement.

Abstract translation: 本发明是电子恒温器的控制范围显示。 多个可单独致动的显示段被布置成一行。 这些显示段中的每一个表示特定的温度。 通过启动代表上部和下部预选温度的显示段以及它们之间的所有显示区段来显示电子恒温器的控制范围。 在优选实施例中，这些显示段中的每一个都是液晶显示装置。 优选实施例通过在选择正常模式时通过致动表示该温度的单个显示部分来指示当前温度，并且通过在选择节目模式时以上述方式通过致动显示部分来指示控制温度范围。 优选实施例还包括可拆卸掩模，其包含标记在预选齿轮测量中的温度标尺，其可以设置在显示装置的显示部分的线旁边，从而指示由预选的测量单位中的每个显示段表示的特定温度 。