Electronic household plant watering device
OwnerJohn P. Peeters, Larry W. Berkbiglerinventors
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A compact electronic device automatically waters household plants by collecting ambient air moisture. The device utilizes the Peltier effect to condense atmospheric moisture which is used in a controlled manner to supply water to a plant. The device includes a thermoelectric module, a microcontroller, a micro-fan, a moisture sensitive probe and an external power supply.
Claims16
An electronic device to automatically water household plants, comprising:
- a housing;
- at least one thermoelectric module in association with said housing;
- at least one heat sink for dissipating heat generated by said thermoelectric module;
- at least one cold plate for condensing moisture through the action of said thermoelectric module;
- at least one probe to measure soil water content;
- and
- a low water alarm for signaling a low water condition.
A water-generating device to automatically water household plants, comprising:
- a heat conducting flower pot serving as a heat sink;
- at least one thermoelectric module;
- at least one cold plate for the condensation of moisture;
- at least one small chamber to collect moisture from said cold plate:
- at least one microcontroller for controlling said thermoelectric module;
- at least one probe to measure soil water content;
- at least one thermistor for detecting the thermal condition of said device;
- and
- means for providing power to said device.
A water-generating device to automatically water household plants, comprising:
- a heat conducting flower pot cover serving as a heat sink;
- at least one thermoelectric module;
- at least one cold plate for the condensation of moisture;
- at least one small chamber to collect moisture from said cold plate;
- at least one microcontroller for controlling said thermoelectric module;
- at least one probe to measure soil water content;
- at least one thermistor for detecting the thermal condition of said device:
- and
- means for providing power to said device.
A self-standing electronic device to water household plants from moisture in the air, comprising:
- a housing;
- at least one thermoelectric module;
- at least one heat sink in association with said thermoelectric module;
- at least one cold plate in association with said thermoelectric module;
- at least one probe to measure soil water condition;
- a microprocessor in communication with said thermoelectric module for controlling said thermoelectric module;
- and
- a blower for moving air across said heat sink to dissipate heat from said heat sink.
A self-standing electronic device to water household plants from moisture in the air, comprising:
- a housing;
- at least one thermoelectric module;
- at least one heat sink in association with said thermoelectric module;
- at least one cold plate in association with said thermoelectric module;
- at least one probe to measure soil water condition, said probe further serving as a support structure for said self-standing electronic device;
- a microprocessor in communication with said probe and said thermoelectric module for controlling said thermoelectric module based on measurements by said probe, said microcontroller further including a clock;
- a blower for moving air across said heat sink to dissipate heat from said heat sink;
- a low-water alarm having an LED readout and an audible alarm;
- a soil moisture selection switch;
- a thermistor is association with said thermoelectric module;
- and
- a light sensor in communication with said microcontroller.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.