Patents by Inventor Leo G. Downing

Leo G. Downing has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 4165532
    Abstract: A solid state controller for an automatic irrigation sprinkler system is disclosed. Irrigation information is maintained in and acted upon by solid state logic and control circuit means. Initialization and re-parameterization of the irrigation information is accomplished with a keyboard input in conjunction with an alphanumeric display system indicating time of day, day of week, station number, run time associated with each station, and program type associated with each day of the week. A dual power supply is included being run normally from a commercial AC source to provide the proper voltage levels for both the logic and control circuitry and the sprinkler system station valves. Additionally, battery backup is provided. In the event of loss of AC power, the controller uses the battery to maintain only the real-time clock, turning off all other functions to conserve energy. Upon the resumption of AC power, normal operation is continued without loss of time continuity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1977
    Date of Patent: August 21, 1979
    Assignee: The Toro Company
    Inventors: Thomas L. Kendall, Leo G. Downing, James A. Ray