Patents by Inventor Mark M. Ensworth
Mark M. Ensworth 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).
-
Publication number: 20110288690Abstract: Several embodiments provide wireless extensions to an irrigation controller system and related methods of use, as well as other improvements to irrigation control equipment. In one implementation, an irrigation control system includes a transmitter unit including a controller and having a connector to be coupled to an irrigation controller having station actuation output connectors. The controller is configured to receive an indication that the irrigation controller has activated an irrigation station, and is also configured to cause the transmitter unit to transmit a wireless activation signal responsive to the indication. A receiver unit is coupled to an actuator coupled to an actuatable device, such as an irrigation valve, the actuator configured to actuate the irrigation valve to control the flow of water therethrough. The receiver unit receives the wireless activation signal and in response, causes the actuator to actuate the actuatable device.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 27, 2011Publication date: November 24, 2011Applicant: RAIN BIRD CORPORATIONInventors: Mark M. Ensworth, Barbara E. Booth, Dean C. Thornton, David G. Fern, Randall A. Hern, Rajiv Dabir, Malcolm N. Napier
-
Patent number: 8010238Abstract: Several embodiments provide wireless extensions to an irrigation controller system and related methods of use, as well as other improvements to irrigation control equipment. In one implementation, an irrigation control system includes a transmitter unit including a controller and having a connector to be coupled to an irrigation controller having station actuation output connectors. The controller is configured to receive an indication that the irrigation controller has activated an irrigation station, and is also configured to cause the transmitter unit to transmit a wireless activation signal responsive to the indication. A receiver unit is coupled to an actuator coupled to an actuatable device, such as an irrigation valve, the actuator configured to actuate the irrigation valve to control the flow of water therethrough. The receiver unit receives the wireless activation signal and in response, causes the actuator to actuate the actuatable device.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2008Date of Patent: August 30, 2011Assignee: Rain Bird CorporationInventors: Mark M. Ensworth, Barbara E. Booth, Dean C. Thornton, Randall A. Hern, Malcolm N. Napier
-
Patent number: 7707770Abstract: A watering device for providing water to a sub-surface level is provided. The watering device includes a body portion for distributing water radially therefrom and along its length. The watering device includes an irrigation assembly for emitting water from a water source, the irrigation assembly emitting the water within the watering device, and the water then being distributed through the body portion to surrounding soil. The irrigation assembly may be supported by the body portion. The irrigation assembly may include a bubbler, and may include a check valve. The device may include a top cap including retaining structure for providing a generally vertical or other desired orientation to the irrigation assembly. The device may further include a bottom cap that generally restricts the flow of water out of the bottom of the device and cooperates with body portion to direct water radially from the device.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 2004Date of Patent: May 4, 2010Inventors: Mimi Liu, Kevin G. O'Brien, Mark M. Ensworth
-
Publication number: 20090222141Abstract: Several embodiments provide wireless extensions to an irrigation controller system and related methods of use, as well as other improvements to irrigation control equipment. In one implementation, an irrigation control system includes a transmitter unit including a controller and having a connector to be coupled to an irrigation controller having station actuation output connectors. The controller is configured to receive an indication that the irrigation controller has activated an irrigation station, and is also configured to cause the transmitter unit to transmit a wireless activation signal responsive to the indication. A receiver unit is coupled to an actuator coupled to an actuatable device, such as an irrigation valve, the actuator configured to actuate the irrigation valve to control the flow of water therethrough. The receiver unit receives the wireless activation signal and in response, causes the actuator to actuate the actuatable device.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 12, 2009Publication date: September 3, 2009Applicant: RAIN BIRD CORPORATIONInventors: Mark M. ENSWORTH, Barbara E. BOOTH, Dean C. THORNTON, David G. FERN, Randall A. HERN, Rajiv Dabir, Malcolm N. NAPIER
-
Publication number: 20090076659Abstract: Several embodiments provide wireless extensions to an irrigation controller system and related methods of use, as well as other improvements to irrigation control equipment. In one implementation, an irrigation control system includes a transmitter unit including a controller and having a connector to be coupled to an irrigation controller having station actuation output connectors. The controller is configured to receive an indication that the irrigation controller has activated an irrigation station, and is also configured to cause the transmitter unit to transmit a wireless activation signal responsive to the indication. A receiver unit is coupled to an actuator coupled to an actuatable device, such as an irrigation valve, the actuator configured to actuate the irrigation valve to control the flow of water therethrough. The receiver unit receives the wireless activation signal and in response, causes the actuator to actuate the actuatable device.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 17, 2008Publication date: March 19, 2009Applicant: Rain Bird CorporationInventors: Mark M. Ensworth, Barbara E. Booth, Dean C. Thornton, Randall A. Hern, Malcolm N. Napier
-
Patent number: 7264761Abstract: An improved molded plastic elbow and a related mold assembly and manufacturing method are provided, wherein the elbow defines an internal flow path having a smoothly radiused inside turn. The elbow is formed by injecting plastic material into a tubular mold cavity formed by closed mold members in cooperation with a pair of slidably retractable core units of circular cross section and having distal ends in mating, angularly set end-to-end contact to form the internal flow path having a turn formed along the length thereof. Each core unit comprises an outer core pin to form an outer portion of the flow path and including a ramped track for slide-fit mounting of an inner slide segment which forms an inner portion of the flow path and further includes a curved inside edge to form a portion of the smoothly radiused inside turn.Type: GrantFiled: February 18, 2005Date of Patent: September 4, 2007Assignee: Rain Bird CorporationInventors: David V. Evans, Mark M. Ensworth
-
Patent number: 7243810Abstract: An improved underground box and lid for use in irrigation systems and other underground systems is provided. A single box can be inverted, combined and interlocked with a second box to form a single enclosed structure that is twice as high. This can be used for those installations where underground system components are buried in the ground at a greater depth than can be accommodated by a single box.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 2003Date of Patent: July 17, 2007Assignee: Rain Bird CorporationInventors: Kevin G. O'Brien, Gerald E. Peterson, James G. Coates, Beatrice John, Barbara E. Booth, Mark M. Ensworth
-
Patent number: 7153125Abstract: An improved molded plastic elbow and a related mold assembly and manufacturing method are provided, wherein the elbow defines an internal flow path having a smoothly radiused inside turn. The elbow is formed by injecting plastic material into a tubular mold cavity formed by closed mold members in cooperation with a pair of slidably retractable core units of circular cross section and having distal ends in mating, angularly set end-to-end contact to form the internal flow path having a turn formed along the length thereof. Each core unit comprises an outer core pin to form an outer portion of the flow path and including a ramped track for slide-fit mounting of an inner slide segment which forms an inner portion of the flow path and further includes a curved inside edge to form a portion of the smoothly radiused inside turn.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 2002Date of Patent: December 26, 2006Assignee: Rain Bird CorporationInventors: David V. Evans, Mark M. Ensworth
-
Publication number: 20020197428Abstract: An improved molded plastic elbow and a related mold assembly and manufacturing method are provided, wherein the elbow defines an internal flow path having a smoothly radiused inside turn. The elbow is formed by injecting plastic material into a tubular mold cavity formed by closed mold members in cooperation with a pair of slidably retractable core units of circular cross section and having distal ends in mating, angularly set end-to-end contact to form the internal flow path having a turn formed along the length thereof. Each core unit comprises an outer core pin to form an outer portion of the flow path and including a ramped track for slide-fit mounting of an inner slide segment which forms an inner portion of the flow path and further includes a curved inside edge to form a portion of the smoothly radiused inside turn.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 6, 2002Publication date: December 26, 2002Inventors: David V. Evans, Mark M. Ensworth
-
Publication number: 20020114908Abstract: An improved molded plastic elbow and a related mold assembly and manufacturing method are provided, wherein the elbow defines an internal flow path having a smoothly radiused inside turn. The elbow is formed by injecting plastic material into a tubular mold cavity formed by closed mold members in cooperation with a pair of slidably retractable core units of circular cross section and having distal ends in mating, angularly set end-to-end contact to form the internal flow path having a turn formed along the length thereof. Each core unit comprises an outer core pin to form an outer portion of the flow path and including a ramped track for slide-fit mounting of an inner slide segment which forms an inner portion of the flow path and further includes a curved inside edge to form a portion of the smoothly radiused inside turn.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 23, 2002Publication date: August 22, 2002Inventors: David V. Evans, Mark M. Ensworth
-
Patent number: 6286877Abstract: An improved dual seal pipe coupling is provided of the type having matingly interfitting male and female pipe fittings formed on adjacent ends of a pair of conduit members, wherein at least one of a pair of seal rings is vented at low pressure to prevent pressure build-up and potential seal ring distortion or damage upon initial assembly of the pipe fittings. The seal rings are seated respectively within a pair of axially spaced-apart recessed grooves formed on one of the pipe fittings for slidably and sealingly engaging the other one of the pipe fittings upon assembly therewith. A bypass vent is formed in at least one of the seal ring grooves, to include a shallow recessed channel underlying the associated seal ring and leading axially to a smoothly curved and generally arch-shaped relief port formed in an outboard side wall of the seal ring groove.Type: GrantFiled: April 17, 2000Date of Patent: September 11, 2001Assignee: Anthony Manufacturing Corp. Industrial Prod. Div.Inventors: Rick Mendoza, Mark M. Ensworth, David V. Evans
-
Patent number: 6050500Abstract: An adjustable riser is provided for coupling an irrigation sprinkler to a water supply line, wherein the riser is adapted for quick and easy longitudinal adjustment to variably select the elevational position of the sprinkler relative to ground level. The adjustable riser comprises a pair of telescopically interfitting inner and outer riser tubes coupled respectively to the sprinkler and to the water supply line. The inner riser tube has a keyway formed on the exterior surface thereof, and the outer riser tube carries at least one key protruding into and engaged with the keyway. In the preferred form, the keyway comprises at least one recessed channel defined by an axially spaced succession of part-circumferential segments interconnected at opposite ends by axial segments extending in opposite directions.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 1999Date of Patent: April 18, 2000Assignee: Anthony Manufacturing Corp. Industrial Products DivisionInventor: Mark M. Ensworth
-
Patent number: D524611Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 2004Date of Patent: July 11, 2006Assignee: Rain Bird CorporationInventors: Mimi Liu, Kevin G. O'Brien, Mark M. Ensworth
-
Patent number: D527439Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2005Date of Patent: August 29, 2006Assignee: Rain Bird CorporationInventors: Mimi Liu, Kevin G. O'Brien, Mark M. Ensworth