Automated farm turnout
AssigneeThe United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Interior
InventorsBlair Lewis Stringam, Clifford Alan Pugh
Life of this patent
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Abstract
An automated turnout system is provided for controlling water flow through a turnout gate. The system determines the water flow parameters of the open channel and adjusts the size of the gate opening accordingly. The turnout system includes a flow measurement structure such as weir or flume, a water level sensor for measuring the water level at the flow measurement structure, a flow control gate, an actuator for adjusting the gate and a position sensor for determining the gate setting. A controller determines the proper gate setting based on inputs from the water level sensor and position sensor. The system provides a low cost, practical way to control outflow under varying canal water levels so as to improve irrigation operations.
Claims12
An automated turnout control system for controlling the flow of water from a main channel to a turnout channel of a farm, said system comprising:
- a flow measurement structure located in the turnout channel of the farm downstream of the main channel;
- a water level sensor for measuring the water level at said flow measurement structure and for producing a corresponding output signal;
- an adjustable flow control gate located in the turnout channel upstream of said measurement structure and said water level sensor for controlling the rate of flow of water into said turnout channel from said main channel;
- a gate actuator for adjusting said flow control gate to an adjusted setting so as to control the rate of flow of water therethrough;
- a gate setting sensing means for sensing the adjusted setting and for producing a corresponding output signal;
- and
- a controller, connected to said water level sensor, said gate setting sensing means and said gate actuator, for receiving said output signals from said water level sensor and said gate setting sensing means and for controlling said gate actuator to adjust the gate setting, and to thus adjust the rate of flow of water therethrough independently of fluctuations in the main channel, based on said output signals so as to enable a desired rate of flow of water therethrough to be maintained.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.